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Follow this step-by-step guide to stake your Bitcoin (BTC) to the Babylon protocol via Chorus One’s Finality Provider. [using Staking Rewards]
Important to note:
It is recommended that you have Step 1 prepared ahead of time, to be ready for when BTC staking goes live.
Bitcoin (BTC) staking on Babylon will be activated once the BTC block height passes 857909. At this exact point, the “Stake Now” button will be activated in the Stake App and BTC staking transactions can be submitted.
For the Babylon’s Phase 1 mainnet, the Stake App will only support BTC staking via OKX Wallet. Install the OKX wallet browser extension and deposit your BTC before proceeding to the next step.
Note: When setting up and funding your wallet, it is important to:
(1) not use a hardware a wallet (such as Ledger), aside from Keystone QR code either directly or through other software wallets and
(2) not use a wallet that holds any Bitcoin Inscriptions.
(3) choose either Native Segwit or Taproot format
Navigate to the Chorus One’s BTC Staking Interface.
The direct link will be: https://www.stakingrewards.com/stake-app?input=bitcoin&type=babylon-staking&provider=chorus-one&locked=true
Connect your wallet. If you’re visiting the website for the first time, you will need to sign the signature request to get your wallet connected.
Input the amount of BTC you want to stake. During Babylon Phase 1, you have the option to stake between 0.005 and 0.05 BTC per transaction.
Select or switch the address format in your wallet.
Next you can choose to keep the current network fee or prioritize your delegation by increasing the transaction fee.
Reminder: The cap for phase 1 will fill very quickly (around 20 - 40 mins). The higher you set your fee, the higher the likelihood your BTC will be staked to the next block, before the cap is filled.
If your stake arrives after the cap is filled, then it will be in the “overflow” status and you will need to unbond and withdraw your BTC.
Finalize the staking process by clicking “Stake” and confirm the transaction in your wallet.
Congratulations you have successfully staked your BTC to Babylon via Chorus One’s Finality Provider. You can now track your staked position via the Staking Terminal.
You can unstake your BTC and withdraw it via the Staking Terminal. There are two steps required to withdraw your BTC,
Note: Stake will automatically unbond after 65 weeks.
To begin the process of unstaking your BTC follow the the steps below:
Visit the Staking Terminal to view your staking positions.
Connect the wallet you staked with previously.
Navigate to the “My Holdings” tab to view your staked positions.
Click on position details and select “Unbond”. Confirm the transaction in your wallet.
You can monitor your unbonded BTC via the “Unbonding” as shown below. Once your unbonding period of 7 days ends, you will be able to withdraw your BTC.
About Chorus One
Chorus One is a leading institutional staking provider, securing over $3 billion in assets across 60+ Proof-of-Stake networks. Since 2018, Chorus One has been a trusted partner for institutions, offering enterprise-grade solutions, industry-leading research, and investments in cutting-edge protocols.
The upcoming launch of Babylon’s Bitcoin Staking Mainnet marks a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency landscape and in the evolution of Bitcoin. Babylon is redefining the utility of Bitcoin by integrating it with Proof-of-Stake (PoS) systems, offering new opportunities for Bitcoin holders. Here’s what you need to know about this launch:
1. What is Babylon Bitcoin Staking?
Babylon’s Bitcoin Staking allows Bitcoin holders to participate in the security of PoS blockchains without transferring their assets to a third party. Traditionally, Bitcoin has been seen as a store of value, but Babylon expands its utility by enabling Bitcoin to play an active role in securing various PoS ecosystems. This is achieved through a trust-minimized protocol that connects Bitcoin holders with the demand for network security across multiple blockchain systems, including PoS chains. Read our comprehensive overview of Babylon here.
2. What is Babylon’s Mainnet Launch?
The mainnet launch of Babylon represents the transition from a developmental stage to a fully operational network. This is when the protocol becomes available for public use, allowing Bitcoin holders to start staking their assets on a live blockchain. The launch is designed to be phased, ensuring that each component of the network is thoroughly tested and integrated before moving to the next stage. This approach provides a structured rollout, allowing users to gradually engage with the staking process.
3. What Are the Three Phases of the Launch?
Babylon’s mainnet launch is divided into three distinct phases, each with specific goals and functionalities:
4. What Can You Do in the Babylon Mainnet Launch?
During the Babylon mainnet launch, Bitcoin holders can actively participate in securing PoS blockchains by locking and staking their Bitcoin. In Phase 1, you can initiate staking by locking your Bitcoin in a secure, self-custodial vault on the Bitcoin blockchain. As the launch progresses into Phase 2, your locked Bitcoin will begin to contribute to the consensus process of the Babylon PoS chain. By Phase 3, you’ll have the ability to stake your Bitcoin across multiple PoS chains, maximizing your potential rewards and playing a crucial role in the security of these networks.
5. How Can You Stake Your Bitcoin?
Staking your Bitcoin with Babylon is a multi-step process that begins in Phase 1:
6. What Rewards Can You Get?
In Phase 1, there are no direct staking rewards because the PoS chain is not yet active. Instead, Babylon introduces a point system to track staking activity. These points, though they do not have direct monetary value, could potentially be used for future benefits within the Babylon ecosystem. As the network progresses into Phase 2 and beyond, your Bitcoin will earn rewards based on its contribution to the security of the PoS systems, allowing you to gain value from your staked assets.
7. Which Wallets Can You Use?
To stake your Bitcoin with Babylon, you’ll need a compatible Bitcoin wallet. The official Babylon staking web application (btcstaking.babylonlabs.io) provides a list of verified finality providers and supports most Bitcoin wallets. You can also use third-party services such as staking websites, custody solutions, or command-line interface (CLI) tools if you are more technically inclined. It’s important to choose a wallet that meets your security needs and is compatible with the staking process. Here’s a list of supported wallets:
8. What Are the Transaction Details in Phase 1?
During Phase 1, all transactions are conducted on the Bitcoin blockchain. These include:
Notably, there is no PoS slashing in Phase 1, meaning your staked Bitcoin is not at risk of being slashed for any consensus violations.
9. What Are the Limits and Caps in Phase 1?
To ensure security and broad participation, Phase 1 introduces several limits:
These caps and limits are designed to foster a secure and inclusive staking environment.
10. Eligibility and Security Considerations
Before participating in the Babylon mainnet launch, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Staking is prohibited for residents of certain countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Mainland China, due to regulatory restrictions. Additionally, Babylon has implemented robust security features, such as the covenant committee, a multi-signature verification scheme that ensures the safety and correctness of unbonding transactions.
The Babylon Bitcoin Staking Mainnet launch represents a significant evolution in how Bitcoin can be used within the broader blockchain ecosystem. By participating in this launch, you can contribute to the security of PoS systems, earn rewards, and engage with one of the most innovative protocols in the cryptocurrency space. As the launch progresses, staying informed and involved will be key to maximizing your experience with Babylon.
And that's everything you need to know to be prepared for the mainnet launch. Stay tuned and follow us on Twitter/X to stay ahead of the curve.
Ready to start? Stake your first BTC with Babylon and Chorus One today!
About Chorus One
Chorus One is one of the biggest institutional staking providers globally, operating infrastructure for 60+ Proof-of-Stake networks, including Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, Avalanche, and Near, amongst others. Since 2018, we have been at the forefront of the PoS industry and now offer easy enterprise-grade staking solutions, industry-leading research, and also invest in some of the most cutting-edge protocols through Chorus Ventures. We are a team of over 50 passionate individuals spread throughout the globe who believe in the transformative power of blockchain technology.
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