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How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File
Learn how to stake SOL, the native token of the Solana Network, in this step-by-step guide. We are using the SolFare wallet and a Keystore File in this guide.
SolFlare is the first digital wallet created by Dokia Capital exclusively for Solana. With SolFlare you can generate and access your free, non-custodial, digital wallet and easily stake your SOL.
At the moment of writing this article, SolFare supports 2 options to access your wallet and stake, namely:
· Using Keystore File
· Using Ledger Nano S or Ledger Nano X
A keystore file (sometimes called a UTC file) is an encrypted version of your private key. They are generated using your private key and a password that you use to encrypt it.
This guide will focus on Staking SOL by using Keystore file. We highly suggest using hardware wallets for your staking operations especially if you are holding a decent amount of SOL, you can check here for staking guide using Ledger Nano S.
Staking your SOL via the SolFare wallet with Keystore file involves three main steps:
1. Creating a wallet with a Keystore file
2. Accessing your wallet in SolFare
3. Staking
Step 1: Creating your wallet
Head on over to SolFlare to start
- Click on “CREATE A WALLET” in the dash board or “CREATE” in the menu to create your own keystore wallet.
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 1 Stake SOL with Keystore File | Ubik.capital](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*dN6ab6s2GSOr5aNW-vtd_Q.jpeg)
2. Once you’re done carefully reading the info text, you will be given 2 options to access your wallet. Click on “Using Keystore File” then select “NEXT.”
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 2 1*kP1KGGu 6DL7udpfVclThw](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*kP1KGGu_6DL7udpfVclThw.jpeg)
3. Make sure to create a strong password and don’t share it with anyone. If you want to store your password for safekeeping, write it in a piece of paper and keep it. Once you have created a password, repeat it again then select “NEXT.”
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 3 1*rDiMKvIoRTTJ55DkbPevHw](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*rDiMKvIoRTTJ55DkbPevHw.png)
Optional: Check the box next to “Get a Raw Private Key” to save another file in addition to your keystore file. You can use the “Raw Private Key” file to manage the same account with the Command-Line-Interface (CLI) in case you lose your password or keystore file.
4. Download both files and make sure to keep more copies in hard drives and USB drives in any case your personal computer have some troubles. Tick the box besides “I understand if I lose my file, I won’t be able to access my wallet.” Once you’re done click on “NEXT”
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 4 1*lwCijuDtSJTeaGagIlfXOQ](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*lwCijuDtSJTeaGagIlfXOQ.png)
5. Upload your keystore file then click on “FINISH.”
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 5](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*uaxpwazoLULZ37znl_vC7g.png)
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 6](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*94oKKnbHzlymxS8s7_Dggw.png)
6. Now you have successfully created your wallet. You are now ready for the next step
Step 2: Accessing your wallet in SolFare
- Click on “ACCESS” on the Menu or on “ACCESS A WALLET” on the homepage.
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 7 1* prYpSQPFnqrVV6H391J8g](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*_prYpSQPFnqrVV6H391J8g.png)
2. You will be given 2 options to access your wallet. Click on “Using Keystore File” then select “ACCESS.”
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 8 1*RPnG1oeRaaBVzlEgJY8QmQ](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*RPnG1oeRaaBVzlEgJY8QmQ.png)
3. Input your password and upload your keystore file then click on “ACCESS.”
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 9](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*tzq62xDN7NzqMtCG5VtX2A.png)
4. You will be brought to the dashboard and you are ready for the next step.
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 10 1*g167Aq6TlUc0VKKHMTnagw](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*g167Aq6TlUc0VKKHMTnagw.png)
Step 3: Staking
Once you have your wallet address funded, then you are ready to stake.
- On your dashboard click on “Staking” in the Menu.
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 11 1*A8FYfo dylN4v8hSjd7YJw](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*A8FYfo-dylN4v8hSjd7YJw.png)
2. Click on “CREATE ACCOUNT”
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 12 1*oeOS4t5SBvK B1FUhkITrQ](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*oeOS4t5SBvK-B1FUhkITrQ.png)
3. Input amount of SOL you want to stake then select “NEXT.” Make sure you left some SOL in your wallet balance to avoid error 0x1.
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 13](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*x972iopKFJqbsViAlpQrPg.png)
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 14 1*rom KTNbR vO5tsyQEYHrQ](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*rom-KTNbR_vO5tsyQEYHrQ.png)
4. It will take a few minutes to confirm your transaction and once it’s done it will show you this. Select “Finish” and you are ready for the last step.
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 15 1*q sbdcwmanhBc7oivIhOKQ](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*q-sbdcwmanhBc7oivIhOKQ.png)
5. Once you’re account is created and funds deposited you are ready for the last step which is delegating to a validator. Click on “DELEGATE NOW.”
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 16 1*h6e vS8 7u61hysVWlHS Q](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*h6e-vS8_7u61hysVWlHS-Q.png)
6. You will be given options to choose from multiple validators. Select your validator of choice then select “NEXT.”
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 17 1*aE8U8s9DZxBpb62R gFISA](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*aE8U8s9DZxBpb62R-gFISA.png)
7. Confirm the transaction by inputting your password. Wait a few seconds until it finishes confirming the transaction. Then you’re done.
![How to stake on Solana (SOL) with Keystore File 18](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*5pcQAwaWWOB2DMZaQWusxA.png)
Staking is complete, you can enjoy your SOL rewards once inflation gets activated!
Bonus Info: Staking multiple accounts to different validators is a step towards stake decentralization and further increase the network security.