# How to Stake ICNT

ICNT is the main utility asset that powers the ICN Protocol. Staking ICNT helps secure the network and power its operation while earning for its contribution to the system.

Staking ICNT is a very important process. This tutorial aims to explain the steps for how to do this, and the considerations for deciding how much to stake and how long for.

## Step 0: Acquire ICNT

Please visit <https://www.icn.global/exchanges> to see which exchanges we are listed on that you can buy our tokens from immediately.

You can also buy our token from Uniswap on Base [here](https://app.uniswap.org/swap?inputCurrency=0x833589fCD6eDb6E08f4c7C32D4f71b54bdA02913\&outputCurrency=0xE0Cd4cAcDdcBF4f36e845407CE53E87717b6601d\&chain=base).

## Step 1: Enter ICN Protocol

Navigate to <https://console.icn.global/> to begin.

<figure><img src="/files/y3VBshDYWeJvYcgfEPdQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 2: Connect your wallet

<figure><img src="/files/c2PZArLS54Bp1qh1fEKG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 3: Click Stake!

<figure><img src="/files/OflIHbeSfmRqe0waoriu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This will start your staking flow immediately!

## Step 4: Select which asset to stake

Here you will choose ICNT.

<figure><img src="/files/dCLic2aQiJ9ZX0Ni1YvK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 5: Select which ScalerNode to stake to

Each ScalerNode is hardware that commits resources to the ICN Protocol. They are globally distributed and you can choose between them. To see more details about each node before staking, visit the [hardware network section](https://console.icn.global/hardware-network).

<figure><img src="/files/47bVujaZfp9PxvOmZw80" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 6: Choose amount to stake

The amount you stake here will affect your total rewards. The more you stake, the higher the rewards. This is also dependent on the lock period you choose in the next step.

<figure><img src="/files/OSqlMK2pY9AsD8nv8vmt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 7: Choose lock period for your stake amount

The most important part of the staking process is choosing your lock period.

When your tokens are staked, they must first be locked for a chosen period. This acts as a commitment to the protocol that you are rewarded back with. Once locked, your tokens remain in the protocol for the chosen period. During this time you are able to freely stake and unstake your tokens between different nodes in the system, and you will be able to withdraw the tokens once the lock period has elapsed.

<figure><img src="/files/MhSSTGKSfRAi69NVKBVa" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Maximum lock period gives highest rewards</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/FvUc4cDZ6DrGZEWOlu4o" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Lowest lock period gives lowest rewards</p></figcaption></figure>

Importantly, APY values displayed are live. The numbers provided are projected earnings based on current rates.

## Step 8: Confirm and sign transaction

<figure><img src="/files/8aN2o6SUbLN0cKM506IM" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 9: Success!

<figure><img src="/files/yf6cM8I4MlWupnNZxxMo" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once you have successfully staked, you will be able to view your current stake positions from your wallet.

<figure><img src="/files/oUzRDNdQyayJFfLe7szC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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