January 21, 2026

How to Stake Polygon Using MetaMask: A Practical Tutorial

Staking Polygon (MATIC) helps secure the network and can earn staking rewards in return. While staking interacts with the Polygon PoS chain’s validator set, you can initiate and manage staking using MetaMask alongside Polygon’s official staking interface or supported dashboards. This guide covers preparation, network setup, funding, delegation, and ongoing management.

What You Need Before You Start

  • MetaMask installed as a browser extension or mobile app
  • A secure seed phrase backup and a strong password
  • MATIC available on the Ethereum network (ERC-20) for staking on Polygon PoS, plus a small amount of ETH to cover Ethereum gas fees for staking transactions
  • Access to the official Polygon Staking Dashboard (staking.polygon.technology) or a well-known aggregator that supports Polygon PoS staking

Note: Polygon PoS staking operates on Ethereum smart contracts. Delegation and reward-claim transactions typically occur on Ethereum, not the Polygon PoS chain. This is why ETH is needed for fees.

Set Up MetaMask and Connect to the Correct Network

  • Install and secure MetaMask:
    • Create a new wallet or import an existing one.
    • Store your seed phrase offline. Do not share it.
  • Ensure your MetaMask is set to the Ethereum Mainnet:
    • Open MetaMask and select “Ethereum Mainnet” from the network dropdown.
  • Verify the connected site:
    • When you open the Polygon Staking Dashboard, connect MetaMask and confirm the requested permissions.

    If you also use the Polygon PoS network for other activities, you can add it to MetaMask separately. For staking actions, remain on Ethereum Mainnet.

    Acquire and Prepare MATIC for Staking

    • Buy MATIC on an exchange that supports ERC-20 withdrawals.
    • Withdraw MATIC to your MetaMask address on Ethereum (not the Polygon PoS chain).
    • Keep enough ETH in your wallet to cover Ethereum gas fees for approvals, delegation, and claiming rewards.

    If your MATIC is currently on the Polygon PoS network, bridge it back to Ethereum using the official Polygon Bridge or a reputable bridge. Bridging can take time, especially when exiting from Polygon to Ethereum, and will incur fees.

    Understand Delegation and Validators

    Polygon PoS uses a validator set. As a delegator, you stake MATIC with a validator to help secure the network and potentially earn rewards. Consider these factors:

    • Commission rate: Percentage of rewards taken by the validator.
    • Performance and uptime: Affects reward reliability.
    • Stake size and reputation: Larger validators may have different risk profiles than smaller ones.
    • Slashing risk: While Polygon PoS has a limited slashing model, poor validator behavior can affect your stake.

    Review validator details on the Polygon Staking Dashboard before delegating.

    Approve and Delegate MATIC

  • Open the Staking Dashboard:
    • Visit staking.polygon.technology and connect MetaMask on Ethereum Mainnet.
  • Select a validator:
    • Browse validator profiles, reviewing commission, performance, and stake data.
  • Approve MATIC:
    • Before delegating, you must approve the staking contract to access your MATIC.
    • Click “Approve” and confirm the transaction in MetaMask. This costs ETH gas.
  • Delegate MATIC:
    • Enter the amount of MATIC you want to stake.
    • Confirm the delegation transaction in MetaMask on Ethereum Mainnet.

    Once confirmed, your MATIC is delegated to the chosen validator, and your position should appear under your account in the dashboard.

    Track Rewards and Performance

    • Reward accrual: Rewards accumulate over time based on validator performance and network conditions.
    • Viewing rewards: Use the dashboard to see your staked balance, pending rewards, and validator stats.
    • Claiming rewards: You can claim accumulated rewards to your wallet. Claims occur on Ethereum and require ETH for gas. Many users wait until rewards reach a meaningful amount before claiming to optimize costs.

    Note that polygon staking rewards vary and are not fixed. They change staking polygon with network parameters, total staked supply, validator commissions, and activity.

    Restake, Redelegate, or Unstake

    • Restake: If you claim rewards, you can delegate them again to compound over time, subject to gas costs.
    • Redelegate: To change validators, you typically need to undelegate first and then delegate to a new validator after the unbonding period.
    • Unstake (Unbond): Initiate an undelegation transaction on Ethereum. Polygon PoS has an unbonding period (commonly seven days, but confirm the current parameter). During this period, your MATIC is locked and does not earn rewards.
    • Withdraw after unbonding: Once the unbonding period finishes, finalize withdrawal to have MATIC liquid in your Ethereum wallet.

    Each of these steps requires Ethereum transactions and gas. Time your actions to balance costs and goals.

    Gas Fees and Timing Considerations

    • Ethereum gas fees can be volatile. Consider performing approvals, delegations, and claims during lower-fee periods.
    • Batch actions when possible. For example, claim rewards less frequently to reduce the number of transactions.
    • Keep a small ETH buffer in MetaMask for unexpected fees.

    Security and Risk Management

    • Use hardware wallet support with MetaMask for better key security.
    • Interact only with official Polygon URLs and well-known dashboards.
    • Double-check validator addresses and approvals before signing.
    • Understand slashing and validator risk. Choose validators with transparent operations and solid performance records.
    • Be mindful of phishing risks. Bookmark official sites and verify URLs before connecting your wallet.

    Common Troubleshooting Steps

    • Stuck or pending transactions: Check gas settings. Speed up or cancel from MetaMask if needed.
    • Missing balances or UI glitches: Refresh the dashboard, reconnect MetaMask, and verify you are on Ethereum Mainnet.
    • MATIC on the wrong network: If funds are on Polygon PoS but you need ERC-20 for staking actions, use the official bridge to move tokens back to Ethereum.
    • Validator not visible: Use search or confirm the validator’s name and status. Validators can change status or commission over time.

    Summary of the Flow

    • Connect MetaMask on Ethereum Mainnet to the Polygon Staking Dashboard.
    • Approve MATIC and delegate to a chosen validator.
    • Monitor rewards and validator performance.
    • Claim, restake, or redelegate as needed.
    • Unstake when desired, observe the unbonding period, and withdraw to finalize.

    This approach allows you to stake Polygon using MetaMask while maintaining custody of your assets, with staking operations governed by Ethereum transactions and the Polygon PoS staking contracts.

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