> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.novawallet.io/nova-wallet-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.novawallet.io/nova-wallet-wiki/staking/bittensor-tao-staking.md).
# Bittensor (TAO) Staking
Learn how to stake Bittensor (TAO) with Nova Wallet. Compare root staking and subnet staking, check the minimum staking requirements, TAO staking APY, fees, and how rewards are paid.
{% hint style="info" %}
Nova Wallet is a non-custodial wallet where you alone remain in control of your assets via your private key/seed phrase. Nova Wallet directly connects you to the Bittensor protocol to stake directly. Nova Wallet does not provide you with any staking services such as how a CEX may do.
{% endhint %}
Staking Bittensor (TAO) is a way to earn rewards while supporting the Bittensor network and the AI subnets built on it. With Nova Wallet, a non-custodial solution, you can choose between root staking, which keeps your stake in TAO, and subnet staking, which puts your TAO to work in a specific subnet for a potentially higher return. This page explains everything about staking Bittensor, including minimum TAO requirements, APY, fees, reward payouts, and more.
| Parameter | Root Staking | Subnet Staking |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Minimum Stake | 0.01 TAO\* | 0.01 TAO\* |
| Unstaking Period | None — instant\*\* | None — instant |
| Rewards Paid in | TAO | The subnet's own token |
| Rewards Payout | Rewards accrue continuously and are claimed manually in Nova Wallet. Claimed rewards are added to your root stake. | Rewards accrue continuously and are added to your position automatically. Nothing to claim. |
| Principal Token Risk | None — your stake stays in TAO. | Yes — the TAO value of your position rises and falls with the subnet token's price. |
| Nova Wallet Fee | None | 0.3% of every buy and sell\*\*\* |
| Protocol Fees | Bittensor network fee only | Bittensor network fee + subnet pool fee (0.05% by default, set per subnet) |
\*The minimum stake is set by the Bittensor protocol and may change over time. Nova Wallet always shows the current value before you confirm.
\*\*The Bittensor protocol can switch on a short hold on root stake after staking or claiming rewards. It is currently switched off. If it is enabled, Nova Wallet shows when your TAO becomes available to unstake.
\*\*\*The Nova Wallet fee is included in the rate and amounts shown to you and is listed as its own line on the review and confirmation screens.
***
What is Bittensor staking and how does it work?
Bittensor staking is the process of staking your TAO tokens with a validator so that you earn a share of the rewards the Bittensor network pays out. Bittensor is made up of a root network and many subnets, each running its own AI service and issuing its own token. You can stake TAO to the root network and earn TAO, or stake to a subnet and earn that subnet's token. Both options are available directly in Nova Wallet, and your keys never leave your device.
What's the difference between root staking and subnet staking?
Root staking keeps your stake in TAO. You stake TAO with a validator on the root network (subnet 0), your TAO stays TAO, and rewards are paid in TAO. There is no swap and no price risk on the amount you staked. It is the calm option, broadly comparable to staking DOT on Polkadot.
Subnet staking converts your TAO into the subnet's own token through the subnet's liquidity pool and stakes that token with a validator. Rewards are paid in the subnet token and compound automatically. Subnet staking usually offers a higher rate, but the subnet token's price in TAO can rise or fall, so the TAO value of your position changes with the market. In Polkadot terms it is a little like swapping DOT for HDX and staking the HDX: your return depends on both the staking rewards and the token's price.
How much TAO do you need to start staking?
The Bittensor protocol currently requires a stake of at least 0.01 TAO per position, for both root and subnet staking. Nova Wallet also keeps a small amount of TAO back for network fees (about 0.01 TAO) so that you can always unstake later. There is no higher minimum for staking through Nova Wallet, which makes Bittensor staking accessible to all users.
How often are Bittensor staking rewards paid out?
Bittensor pays out rewards many times a day: each subnet distributes its emissions roughly every 72 minutes. Subnet staking rewards are added to your position automatically, so your subnet token balance grows on its own. Root staking rewards accrue continuously and are claimed manually in Nova Wallet; once claimed, they are added to your root stake. Rewards you have not claimed yet keep accruing, there is no deadline.
Is there an unstaking period on Bittensor?
No. Unlike Polkadot, Bittensor has no unbonding period. When you unstake from root, your TAO is back in your transferable balance as soon as the transaction is included in a block, usually within seconds. When you sell subnet tokens, the TAO you receive is transferable immediately.
Does Nova Wallet charge a fee for TAO staking?
Root staking is free: you only pay the Bittensor network fee. For subnet staking, Nova Wallet charges a 0.3% fee on every buy (stake) and sell (unstake) of subnet tokens. The fee is shown as its own line on the review and confirmation screens, and every rate and estimate Nova Wallet shows you already includes it. The Bittensor protocol also charges its own fee on subnet pool swaps (0.05% by default, set by each subnet) and a small network fee on every transaction.
What are some of the risks of subnet staking?
* Price risk. Your stake is held in the subnet token. If its price in TAO falls, you get back less TAO than you staked, even after rewards.
* Price impact and slippage. Buying or selling moves the pool price, and the price can move while your order fills. Nova Wallet lets you set a slippage tolerance and warns you before any order that would move the price by more than 1%.
* Thin pools. Subnets with little TAO in their pool have more volatile prices. Nova Wallet flags these and lets you hide them from the subnet list.
* Rates change. APY figures are estimates based on recent history and vary daily and by subnet. They are not guaranteed.
Nova Wallet shows each subnet's price history, pool size and age before you stake. Check them first, and never stake more than you can afford to see fall in value.
Can I stake to more than one subnet?
Yes. You can hold a root position and positions in as many subnets as you like at the same time. All of them are listed on the Your Bittensor screen in Nova Wallet, together with the total TAO value of your stake and a chart of how it has changed over time.
Which Nova Wallet accounts can stake TAO?
Any regular Nova Wallet account with TAO can stake, this includes Polkadot Vault accounts. Watch-only accounts show your positions and rewards but cannot sign transactions. Multisig wallets are not supported for Bittensor staking yet.
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