> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://seilabs-docs-evm-cookbook.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sei Blockchain Staking Guide

> Participate in Sei's proof-of-stake consensus by staking tokens with validators, with detailed explanations of delegation, rewards, slashing risks, and the unbonding process.

Sei uses staking to secure the network and reach consensus through a delegated
proof-of-stake (dPoS) mechanism. Validators and delegators who stake help
maintain and secure the network. PoS chains rely on staked economic value
instead of computational power. This makes them more energy efficient and
scalable. Staking also lets you contribute to the health and growth of the Sei
ecosystem, and take part in [governance](/learn/general-governance) decisions by
voting on proposals.

In a dPoS system, token holders secure the network by delegating their tokens to
validators. Validators produce new blocks and validate transactions. In return
for their support, delegators earn a portion of the staking rewards. A
validator's weight is based on the number of tokens delegated to them plus their
own stake.

The Sei protocol incentivizes validators and delegators with staking rewards
from gas and genesis token unlocks. All rewards are distributed to delegators in
proportion to their delegation, and the validator keeps a percentage as commission.
You can view a validator's commission rate on the Sei Dashboard, or query the validator information on-chain.

## How to stake

You can stake on Sei through the Sei Dashboard, the `seid` CLI, or API calls.

* **Sei Dashboard**: [Staking](https://dashboard.sei.io/stake)
* **`seid` CLI**: `seid tx staking [command] [flags]`
* **REST or RPC**: `GET/POST /staking/*`

## Key concepts

### Delegation

When you delegate tokens to a validator, you earn a portion of the staking
rewards. Your delegation adds to the validator's total stake, which helps secure
the network.

### Delegators

Delegators are token holders who stake their SEI tokens with a validator. Their
tokens add to the validator's total stake. Delegators earn a portion of the
transaction fees as staking rewards. Staked SEI remains under the control of the
delegator, but it cannot be traded freely during the staking period.

### Un-delegation

Undelegation is the process of withdrawing your staked tokens. It starts a
21-day unbonding period. During this period, the tokens do not earn rewards and
cannot be transferred. After the unbonding period, the tokens return to your
wallet and are available for transactions.

### Re-delegation

Redelegation lets you move staked tokens from one validator to another without
the unbonding period. When you redelegate, the tokens move instantly. However,
the new validator is barred from further redelegations for 21 days. This
restriction maintains stability and prevents abuse. Each account can have a
maximum of 7 redelegations in progress at the same time. A redelegation is not
complete until its 21-day period ends.

### Bonding

Bonding is the process of committing your SEI tokens to a validator. You can do
this through delegation. The tokens are locked and add to the validator's stake.
They start to earn rewards immediately.

### Un-bonding

Delegators can unbond, or unstake, their SEI tokens. This starts a 21-day
period. During this period, the tokens do not earn rewards and cannot be
transferred. After this period, the tokens return to the delegator's wallet and
become available for transactions. Delegators can redelegate to another
validator instantly, without waiting for the unbonding period to end.

### Jailing

For network uptime and overall security, validators must meet strict standards and participate in the consensus process consistently.
If a validator does not meet these standards, it can be jailed. A jailed validator is excluded from
participating in consensus for a period and does not generate rewards during this time.

<Info>
  If a validator misbehaves and is jailed, you can still perform all staking operations with that validator, including claiming rewards, delegating, and undelegating. The system currently does not penalize misbehavior, so validator misconduct has no slashing consequences.
</Info>

### Slashing

Sei does not slash funds.

## Common questions

### How are staking rewards calculated?

Staking rewards depend on the total amount of SEI staked and on the validator's performance. Rewards are distributed in proportion to the amount that each delegator stakes.

For more details, see [Delegators](#delegators).

### Can I change my validator without un-bonding?

Yes. You can use redelegation to move your stake from one validator to another without waiting for the unbonding period to end.

For more details, see [Re-delegation](#re-delegation).


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