Staking XPR: How to Earn Rewards and Support the Network

Staking is a process that lets you lock up some of your XPR tokens to help secure the network – and in return, you earn staking rewards over time. XPR Network uses a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) model, where XPR holders stake tokens and vote for block producers (the entities that validate transactions and produce blocks).

By staking, you not only support the network’s operations and decentralization, but you also receive a share of new XPR issued (inflation) as a reward for your participation.

Staking is a key way to earn passive income on your XPR while contributing to the ecosystem’s health.

Steps to Stake XPR using WebAuth Wallet:

1. Go to the Staking Screen: Open your WebAuth wallet app. On the home screen under Assets, tap on XPR (Proton). Then tap the “Stake” option for XPR. This will bring up the staking interface.
2. Choose Amount to Stake: Use the slider or input box to select how much XPR you want to stake (lock up). You can stake any amount, but remember that staked XPR will be locked (not spendable) until you unstake. If you’re just starting, you might stake a portion of your holdings.
3. Select Block Producers to Vote For: After choosing the amount, tap “Continue” or “Vote now.” XPR Network requires you to vote for 4 block producers (BP) when staking. A list of block producer candidates will appear. Select four different BPs that you want to support with your stake. (Each XPR staked equals one vote weight for each BP you select.) If you’re not sure whom to pick, see the tip below.
4. Confirm Your Vote: Once you’ve chosen 4 block producers, tap the “Vote” or “Confirm” button. Your XPR will now be staked, and your votes recorded on-chain. Congratulations – you are now staking!
5. Earning and Claiming Rewards: After staking, you’ll start accumulating staking rewards (paid in XPR) over time. Rewards are typically available to claim every 24 hours. In the wallet, you should see a “Staking Rewards” section or a claim button. To claim, wait at least a full day after staking, then use the “Claim Rewards” option (the wallet will show you the steps, usually just a tap to claim). Once claimed, the rewards are added to your available balance, and you can stake them again or use them as you wish. Many users claim and restake periodically to compound their earnings.

⚠️ Note: When you decide to unstake, your tokens are not immediately liquid. Unstaking XPR imposes a ~24 hour waiting period before the tokens become available in your balance. During this 24-hour period, your XPR is “cooling down” and you won’t earn rewards on it. After the period, the XPR returns to your account and can be transferred or used freely. Plan ahead if you need to unstake (e.g., don’t stake all your XPR if you might need some on short notice).

Tip – Choosing Block Producers: New to voting? Block producers are the validators and backbone of the XPR Network. It’s wise to vote for BPs that are reliable and contribute to the community. You can research candidates by visiting their websites or community pages to ensure they are active and trustworthy.

In the XPR block explorer or governance page, you’ll find a list of all BPs with info. Try to pick producers with a good track record (many users choose some of the top-ranked BPs, but supporting up-and-coming honest BPs is also encouraged for decentralization). You can change your votes later by re-staking or using the explorer, so your initial choices are not permanent. The key is to participate and vote – it helps secure the network and you earn rewards for doing so.

Benefits of Staking XPR:

• Earn Passive Rewards: When you stake, you receive staking rewards distributed from network inflation. Currently, a portion of XPR’s annual inflation is allocated to stakers (about 1% of total supply per year is shared among all stakers). Your share depends on how much you stake relative to others. This means you can grow your XPR holdings over time by simply holding and staking, with rewards available to claim daily.
• Support Network Security: Staking is not just about rewards – it’s how you support the network’s operation. Your staked tokens and votes help choose the 21 block producers that validate transactions. In essence, you’re contributing to the network’s decentralization and security. The more XPR is staked and the more engaged voters are, the stronger and more secure the blockchain becomes.
• Governance Participation: By staking, you gain voting power (1 staked XPR = 1 vote) to influence decisions in the network. You directly vote for block producers, and indirectly you’re involved in any network governance that those producers partake in. In short, staking gives you a voice in the ecosystem’s future (more on governance in the next section).
• Potential Fee Perks: Active XPR stakers can enjoy extra benefits in the ecosystem. For example, the official Proton Swap DEX charges a 0.3% fee for trades, but if you stake large amounts of XPR, your swap fees can be reduced or even eliminated (at 10M XPR staked, trading fees drop to 0%). This incentivizes heavy participation – while as a beginner you might not reach those levels, it’s good to know that increased staking can bring additional perks in the ecosystem, like lower DeFi fees.
• Stake Flexibility: XPR Network’s staking is flexible – you’re not locked in for months. After the 24h unstaking period, you can move or sell your XPR if needed. There’s no penalty for unstaking (aside from waiting the period), so you have control over your funds. This makes it beginner-friendly; you can start staking without fear of long-term lock-up, and you can always adjust your stake as you learn more or your situation changes.