Liquid and native routes
EigenLayer documents liquid restaking for tokens such as LSTs and native restaking for Ethereum validators that point withdrawal credentials to EigenLayer contracts. See the restaking overview.
Restake ETH on EigenLayer
EigenLayer Staking — Restake ETH, LSTs or EIGEN with a clear view of operators, AVSs, rewards and slashing risk.
Live preview — open EigenLayer Staking to restake.
On-chainNon-custodial
What is EigenLayer Staking?
EigenLayer staking usually means restaking: placing ETH, liquid staking tokens, EIGEN or supported ERC-20 assets into EigenLayer contracts so operators can secure Autonomous Verifiable Services. It is different from regular Ethereum staking because the stake can take on extra protocol-specific duties and risks. The official EigenLayer overview frames this as a marketplace for restakers, operators and AVSs.
How EigenLayer Staking works
The basic flow is deposit or connect eligible stake, delegate it to an operator, then let that operator allocate security to AVSs.
- Choose the asset routeUse liquid restaking for supported tokens, native restaking for Ethereum validators, or EIGEN staking where the app supports it.
- Review the operatorDelegation assigns your restaked balance to one operator at a time, so the operator's AVS choices and risk posture matter.
- Confirm the transactionExpect wallet approvals, Ethereum network gas and any protocol-specific steps shown in the official app or integration you use.
- Monitor rewards and riskRewards depend on AVS submissions and operator settings, while slashable allocations can change as operators opt into services.
Assets, operators and rewards
EigenLayer separates the assets supplied by restakers from the operators that perform AVS work.
Delegation model
A staker delegates restaked balance to an operator, and the operator cannot directly access the delegated tokens. The operator can, however, make that stake slashable by AVSs, as defined in EigenLayer key terms.
Reward mechanics
AVSs can distribute token rewards to stakers and operators, with offchain calculation and onchain claiming. Do not assume a fixed payout; read the current rewards documentation.
Fees, security and withdrawals
The main tradeoff is simple: EigenLayer can add reward opportunities, but it also adds contract, operator and AVS risk.
Cost components
Common costs can include Ethereum gas, wallet approval costs, protocol interactions, operator reward splits and market spread if you enter or exit through a traded token.
Slashing risk
AVSs define slashing conditions for operator failures, and delegated stake can become slashable. EigenLayer's slashing overview explains burn and redistribution paths.
Withdrawal delay
EigenLayer contracts include withdrawal delay mechanics for liquid and native restaking. Treat exits as a protocol process, not a normal token transfer, and check the current restaker docs.
EigenLayer Restaking Routes
Start by identifying the route, because each one changes the custody, delegation and exit model.
Liquid Restaking
Restake supported tokens Token route
Deposit supported liquid tokens into EigenLayer contracts. This route is simpler than running a validator, but it adds token, protocol and operator risk.
Docs ↗Native ETH Restaking
Validator-based restaking Validator
Use an Ethereum validator and an EigenPod to make native staked ETH visible to EigenLayer. This is operationally heavier and requires validator competence.
Docs ↗
EIGEN Staking
Stake the EIGEN asset Token
EIGEN can be part of the EigenLayer staking surface where supported. Check current app availability, token terms and claim settings before relying on it.
Open ↗Operator Delegation
Assign stake to one operator Delegation
Delegation decides who uses your restaked balance for AVS work. Operator selection should include reputation, AVS exposure and fee settings.
Docs ↗AVS Security
Secure verifiable services Services
AVSs receive cryptoeconomic security through operators and restaked assets. Review what each operator supports before accepting the risk.
Docs ↗Checks Before You Restake
The right checks are practical: verify the domain, read the operator profile and understand how exits work.
Official App
Verify the domain first Safety
Use a bookmarked official URL and inspect wallet prompts before approving. Phishing risk is separate from protocol risk and is fully user-facing.
Open ↗Operator Exposure
Check AVS allocations Review
Operators can update allocations across operator sets. A lower-friction delegation is not automatically a lower-risk delegation.
Docs ↗Slashing Terms
Know what can be lost Risk
Slashing can burn or redistribute funds after AVS-defined failures. Read the specific slashing model behind the operator's AVS set.
Docs ↗Reward Claims
Claims are not fixed yield Rewards
Rewards are submitted and claimed through protocol mechanics. Treat any displayed reward estimate as variable until the official flow confirms it.
Docs ↗Withdrawal Timing
Plan exits in advance Exit
Withdrawals can include EigenLayer safety delays plus route-specific steps. Keep short-term liquidity needs outside restaking assumptions.
Docs ↗EigenLayer Staking Compared
Ethereum staking secures Ethereum consensus, while EigenLayer restaking extends stake to additional services; compare both against Ethereum.org's staking guide before choosing a route.
| Route | Primary role | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Ethereum staking | Secure Ethereum consensus | Operational or provider risk |
| EigenLayer restaking | Secure AVSs through operators | Added slashing and contract risk |
| Liquid staking token | Tokenized ETH staking exposure | Market, issuer and liquidity risk |
EigenLayer Staking FAQ
Is EigenLayer Staking the same as Ethereum staking?
No. Ethereum staking secures Ethereum consensus; EigenLayer staking usually means restaking eligible assets so operators can secure AVSs as well. That can add reward opportunities and extra slashing surfaces. Compare the official EigenLayer overview with Ethereum.org staking before deciding.
What can I stake on EigenLayer?
EigenLayer documentation describes native ETH restaking for Ethereum validators and liquid restaking for tokens such as LSTs, EIGEN and supported ERC-20 assets. Availability can change by app, network and strategy, so verify the current asset list in the official flow. Start with the restaking overview.
Do EigenLayer rewards have a fixed APY?
No fixed APY should be assumed. AVSs submit rewards, calculations are handled through protocol processes, and operators can set fee rates. The amount a staker receives depends on the asset, delegation, AVS participation and claim mechanics. EigenLayer explains the model in its rewards documentation.
Can my restaked assets be slashed?
Yes, delegated stake can become slashable when an operator allocates stake to AVS operator sets. Slashing may burn funds or redistribute eligible ERC-20 assets depending on the operator set and asset type. Read EigenLayer's slashing overview before delegating.
How do withdrawals work from EigenLayer?
Withdrawals are protocol actions with safety delays, not instant transfers. The exact path depends on whether you used liquid restaking, native restaking, EIGEN staking or an integration. EigenLayer's restaker docs describe withdrawal delay mechanics in the restaking overview.
How should I choose an EigenLayer operator?
Start with risk, not rewards. Review the operator's reputation, AVS set, allocation behavior, fee settings, security posture and communication history. Delegation assigns your restaked balance to one operator at a time, according to EigenLayer's delegation notes.