How to Participate in Non-Custodial ETH Staking in imToken

imToken currently provides non-custodial ETH staking through imToken Stake. The solution maximizes user ownership and control over staked assets, without the need to worry about validator node maintenance.

In The pros and cons of different ETH staking solutions, we have analyzed the pros and cons of different types of staking services. The non-custodial solution is ideal for users with higher asset security requirements. It allows you to retain ownership and control over your staked ETH while earning staking returns.

If you hold 32 ETH or more, you can create a non-custodial ETH validator via imToken Stake.
Two models are currently available: Compounding reward model and Auto-withdrawal reward model.

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Non-Custodial ETH Staking

Step 1: Go to the imToken Stake Page

1. On the ETH wallet homepage in imToken, tap Stake in the function bar to enter the staking interface. Then tap Confirm to authorize the wallet connection.
2. Select Native staking, tap the round three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then tap Stake.

Step 2: Choose a Staking Model

The page provides two staking reward modes: Auto-compounding and Auto-withdrawal. You can switch between the two modes to view the corresponding staking amount, fees, reward distribution method, and other details, then choose the option that best suits your needs.

👉Learn more: Update to the Fee Structure for imToken Non-Custodial ETH Staking

Step 3: Submit a Staking Request

1. Create an order

Taking Auto-compounding as an example, enter the staking amount, review the service fee, then tap Confirm.

• Auto-withdrawal model: The default amount is 32 ETH (1 validator). You can tap + to increase the staking amount in multiples.

Note: After tapping Confirm, you need to wait for the staking order to be created (estimated 5–20 seconds). During this process, the system prepares the validator resources. Please stay on the current page and do not close the app or switch pages.

2. Review the Fee Details

Review the prepaid service fee and staking amount, then tap Confirm.

Auto-compounding model 👆

3. Sign and Submit the Transactions

This process includes two or three transactions. Please complete the following steps in order:

• Step 1: Follow the prompts and tap Sign to submit the prepaid service fee transaction.
• Step 2: Then Sign in the pop-up window to submit the staking request transaction.

💡Both the service fee transaction and the staking request transaction require gas fees. The actual amount depends on the real-time network conditions.

Note: If you have already participated in staking and the system prompts you to pay historical service fees, please follow the on-screen instructions and complete the signing process in three steps: historical service fee, prepaid service fee, and staking transaction.

4. Check the result

You can view the staking request status on the staking management page. Once the status is no longer shown as “Confirming,” the request has been confirmed successfully.

Step 4: Validator Activation and Management

After the request is confirmed, you can go to the validator management page and tap Validator to view the real-time status:

• Deposited
  The validator has been created and is waiting to be processed on the Ethereum consensus layer. This usually takes 12–18 hours.
• Pending
  The validator has been confirmed by the consensus layer and entered the activation queue. The waiting time depends on the overall network queue. View the Ethereum validator queue here.
• Active
  The validator starts running and generating rewards. You can view details such as runtime and total rewards on the validator details page.

Asset Management and Exit Guide

The non-custodial staking model gives users full control over their assets. You can initiate additional staking, partial withdrawal, or full exit at any time.

Please refer to the following guides based on your needs:

• Want to increase the staking amount?
  How to Add ETH to a Compounding Validator? — suitable for users who want to increase their staking base and enable continuous compounding.
• Want to withdraw part of the assets?
  How to Partially Withdraw from a Compounding Validator? — allows flexible withdrawal of assets exceeding 32 ETH while the validator continues running.
• Want to exit staking and withdraw the principal?
  How to Withdraw Your Staked ETH? — applies to users who want to stop the validator and withdraw all ETH principal and accumulated rewards.

Rewards

ETH staking rewards consist of two parts:

1. Staking rewards
   Earned when the validator completes block validation and block proposal on the Ethereum consensus layer.
2. Block rewards
   When a validator is selected to propose a block, it can receive all transaction fees in that block. Additional rewards may also be earned through MEV-related mechanisms.

Notes:

• The mnemonic phrase of your ETH wallet is required to withdraw staked assets from the consensus layer. Please back it up securely. If it is lost, both your ETH principal and accumulated rewards cannot be recovered.
• imToken supports staking with imKey. You can switch to your imKey wallet and enter the Stake page to participate. Please refer to the tutorial "How to Use imKey for Non-Custodial ETH Staking?" for more details.

Beacon Chain explorers:

• https://beaconscan.com/ 
• https://beaconcha.in/