> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.iaero.finance/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.iaero.finance/user-guides/staking-iaero.md).

# Staking iAERO

## Why Stake iAERO?

Holding iAERO in your wallet earns nothing. Staking it in the StakingDistributor earns you 80% of all protocol voting rewards. This includes bribes, fees, and emissions from Aerodrome.

## How to Stake

### Step 1: Navigate to Staking

Go to the "Stake iAERO" tab in the app at [app.iaero.finance](https://app.iaero.finance)

### Step 2: Enter Amount

* Enter the amount of iAERO to stake
* You can stake any amount, no minimum
* Use "MAX" button to stake entire balance
* If you don't yet have iAero, click the green "Buy iAero" button to buy it directly on Aerodrome.

### Step 3: Approve (First Time Only)

If this is your first time staking:

1. Click "Approve iAERO"
2. Confirm the approval transaction
3. Wait for confirmation

### Step 4: Stake

1. Click "Stake iAERO"
2. Confirm the transaction
3. Your iAERO is now earning rewards!

## Understanding Your Position

### Staking Dashboard Shows:

* **Your Staked Balance**: Amount of iAERO staked
* **Pool Share**: Your % of total staked iAERO
* **Pending Rewards**: Claimable tokens earned
* **APR**: Current annualized return

### No Lock Period

* Unstake anytime with no penalty
* No cooldown or waiting period
* Instant liquidity when needed

## Claiming Rewards

### Manual Claiming

1. Click "Claim Rewards"
2. Select tokens to claim (or claim all)
3. Confirm transaction
4. Tokens sent to your wallet

### Reward Tokens Include:

* AERO (main rewards)
* USDC (bribe payments)
* ETH (protocol fees)
* Various protocol tokens

### Compounding Strategy

For maximum returns:

1. Claim AERO rewards
2. Deposit AERO back to vault for more iAERO
3. Stake the new iAERO
4. Repeat weekly

## Unstaking

### How to Unstake

1. Go to staking dashboard
2. Enter amount to unstake
3. Click "Unstake"
4. Receive iAERO instantly

### Partial Unstaking

* Unstake any amount up to your balance
* Remaining balance keeps earning
* No need to unstake everything

## Rewards Math

### How Rewards Are Calculated

Your share of rewards = (Your Staked iAERO / Total Staked iAERO) × Total Rewards

**Example:**

* You stake: 1,000 iAERO
* Total staked: 100,000 iAERO
* Your share: 1%
* Weekly rewards: $10,000
* Your earnings: $100

### APR Calculation

APR = (Weekly Rewards × 52) / Total Value Staked × 100

## Advanced Strategies

### 1. Auto-Compound LoopAERO → iAERO → Stake → Earn AERO → Repeat

Compounds your position over time

### 2. Diversified Claiming

* Claim stables (USDC) for expenses
* Reinvest AERO for growth
* Hold other tokens for speculation

### 3. Tax Optimization

* Track cost basis of deposits
* Consider claiming schedule for tax purposes
* Keep records of all transactions

## Common Issues

**"Insufficient balance"**

* Check you have iAERO in wallet
* Ensure it's not already staked

**"Transaction failed"**

* Increase gas limit
* Check network congestion
* Ensure sufficient ETH for gas

**"No rewards showing"**

* Rewards update after weekly distribution
* May take 24-48 hours after epoch ends
* Check if you were staked during earning period

## FAQ

**Q: When do rewards appear?** A: After each weekly epoch ends and keepers distribute (usually Thursday/Friday)

**Q: Can I lose my staked iAERO?** A: No, staking is non-custodial. Only you can withdraw.

**Q: What's the minimum stake time?** A: None! Stake for 1 minute or 1 year, your choice.

**Q: Do I earn while unstaking?** A: You earn until the moment you unstake.