How to use imKey for non-custodial ETH staking

You can participate in non-custodial ETH staking through the imToken staking page using your imKey hardware wallet. The non-custodial staking solution reduces the operational burden of running a validator node while preserving as much user control over staked assets as possible. You do not need to run or maintain validator nodes yourself, but you are still responsible for keeping the recovery phrase of your imKey ETH account secure, reviewing each signing request carefully, and confirming the withdrawal address.

If you hold 32 ETH or more, you can create a non-custodial ETH validator through the imToken staking page. The page may offer different validator modes, such as auto-compounding validators and auto-withdrawal validators. Supported options and rules are subject to what is displayed on the product page.

1. Step-by-step guide to non-custodial ETH staking

Step 1: Go to the staking page

1. Open imToken and tap the icon in the upper-left corner to enter the “Select Account” page. Choose the ETH account under your imKey hardware wallet.
2. On the ETH wallet homepage in imToken, tap “Stake” in the function bar to open the imToken staking page, then tap “Confirm” to authorize the wallet connection.

3. Select “Native Staking”, tap the circular three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, and then tap “Stake”.

Step 2: Choose a staking mode

The page provides two staking reward modes: “Auto-compounding” and “Auto-withdrawal”. You can tap “Switch” to view different modes and compare the required staking amount, fees, reward distribution method, and other details before choosing the option that best suits your needs.

Learn more: Notice on the Update to the Fee Model for Non-custodial ETH Staking

Step 3: Submit your staking request

1. Generate an order

In Auto-Compounding mode, enter the staking amount, review the service fee, and tap “Confirm”.

In Auto-Withdrawal mode, the default amount is 32 ETH, which creates one validator. You can tap “+” to increase the staking amount in multiples of 32 ETH.

Note: After tapping “Confirm”, the system will generate the staking order (approximately 5–20 seconds). During this process, validator resources are being prepared.  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”.

3. Sign and send the transactions

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

First, the page will initiate a signing request. Carefully check the information displayed on your phone and on your imKey device. After confirming that everything is correct, tap “Request confirmation from imKey” and complete the signature on your imKey hardware wallet to send the prepaid service fee transaction.

Next, select “Continue ”, tap “Next”, and then tap “Request confirmation from imKey” again as prompted. On your imKey hardware wallet, carefully verify the payment information, receiving address, and network fee, also known as the Gas fee. After confirming that everything is correct, complete the second signature to initiate the on-chain staking transaction.

Both service fees and staking transactions require gas fees, depending on 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 page instructions and complete the three signing steps for the historical service fee, prepaid service fee, and staking transaction.

4. Check the result

You can view the status of your staking request on the current staking management page. When the status no longer shows “Processing”, it means the staking request has been successfully confirmed.

       Compounding👆

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 successfully created and is waiting for confirmation on the Ethereum consensus layer (usually 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. Tap here to view the Ethereum validator queue.
• Active
  The validator starts running and generating rewards. You can view details such as runtime and total rewards on the validator details page.

2. 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 Stake 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.
• Plan 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 income may also be earned through block auction markets.

Security reminders

Before participating in non-custodial ETH staking, always access the staking page through the imToken App, the official imKey website, or another trusted entry point. Do not open staking pages through unknown links, private messages in communities, search ads, or QR codes, as they may lead to phishing websites or fake staking pages.

The recovery phrase of your imKey ETH account directly controls your staked principal and accumulated rewards. Please back it up securely. If your recovery phrase is lost, you may not be able to recover your staked ETH principal or rewards. If it is leaked, your assets may be transferred by someone else.

Stop immediately if any website, customer support agent, or so-called official representative asks you to enter your recovery phrase or private key, or asks you to transfer funds first to verify your account, pay a deposit, or unlock rewards. These are usually scams.

Remember: your recovery phrase and private key equal full control over your wallet assets. No one should ever ask you for them.