> 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/bittensor-root-staking.md).
# Bittensor Root Staking
Bittensor (TAO) root staking lets you stake TAO with a validator on the root network and earn rewards paid in TAO — no swap, no principal token risk on your stake.
Bittensor (TAO) root staking allows you to stake your TAO tokens with a validator on the root network (subnet 0) of Bittensor. Your stake stays in TAO and rewards are paid in TAO, which makes it the simplest, lowest-risk way to earn with TAO in Nova Wallet.
#### TAO Root Staking Information & Parameters
| Parameter | Information |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Minimum Stake | 0.01 TAO\* |
| Unstaking Period | None — your TAO is back in your transferable balance as soon as the transaction is included.\*\* |
| Rewards Paid In | TAO |
| Rewards Payout | Rewards accrue continuously and must be claimed manually in Nova Wallet. Claimed rewards are added to your root stake.\*\*\* |
| Minimum Claim | 0.0005 TAO per validator (protocol default). Smaller amounts keep accruing until they can be claimed. |
| Validator Fee | Set by each validator (18% by default). The APY figures in Nova Wallet are already after the validator's fee. |
| Nova Wallet Fee | None |
\*The minimum stake is set by the Bittensor protocol and may change over time.
\*\*The Bittensor protocol can switch on a short hold on root stake after each stake, unstake or claim. It is currently switched off. If it is enabled, Nova Wallet shows the hold on your position and tells you when unstaking becomes available.
\*\*\*You must submit a transaction to claim your root rewards yourself. Claiming is per validator.
{% hint style="info" %}
Nova Wallet does not charge any fee for root staking. You only pay the Bittensor network fee for each transaction.
{% endhint %}
What is root staking in Bittensor?
Root staking means staking TAO with a validator on Bittensor's root network, also known as subnet 0. Root validators take part in every subnet and earn a share of each subnet's emissions, and they pass most of that on to the people who stake with them. Your TAO stays TAO the whole time: there is no swap into another token and no price risk on the amount you staked.
How are root staking rewards paid?
Since Bittensor's Root Reborn upgrade (July 2026), root rewards are no longer added to your stake automatically. Each root validator earns rewards from every subnet, and those rewards accrue in a rewards fund managed by that validator. Your share of the fund grows continuously and is shown in Nova Wallet as claimable rewards on your root position.
When you claim, your share is converted to TAO and added to your root stake with the same validator, so it starts earning too. Rewards you have not claimed yet keep accruing and never expire. Until you claim them, they are held in the validator's fund as subnet tokens, so their TAO value moves with subnet prices; your staked TAO itself is not affected.
What is the minimum TAO required for root staking?
The minimum stake for root staking is set by the Bittensor protocol and is currently 0.01 TAO per validator. Nova Wallet also holds back about 0.01 TAO for future network fees when you choose Max, so you can always unstake later.
Is there an unstaking period for root staking?
No. Unstaking from root is instant: your TAO is back in your transferable balance as soon as the transaction is included in a block. The Bittensor protocol has the option of a short hold after each stake or claim to discourage very short-term staking around reward payouts; it is currently switched off. If it is switched on, Nova Wallet shows the remaining time on your position and in the unstake flow.
How do I choose a root validator?
Nova Wallet pre-selects a recommended validator for you. You can pick another one from the validator list, which shows each validator's estimated APY (a 30-day average, after the validator's fee), the amount of TAO staked with it and its fee. Use the Hide unusual APY filter to hide validators whose APY is far from the network average. A larger stake usually means a more established validator.
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