# Polkadot Direct Staking

### DOT Direct Staking Information & Parameters

| Parameter                | Information                                                                   |
| ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Minimum Stake            | \~263.78 DOT\*                                                                |
| Unstaking Period         | \~28 Days.                                                                    |
| Rewards Payout           | Rewards accrue daily and are added to your staked balance.\*\*                |
| Governance Participation | Staked DOT can be used to participate in Governance on the Polkadot protocol. |

\*Some Validators may require you to stake an amount which is above the minimum network stake of \~263.78 DOT\*.

\*\*It is possible to modify your rewards payout so that your staking rewards are sent to you as a transferable balance and are not restaked / compounded.

**What is direct staking in Polkadot?**

Direct staking in Polkadot means nominating validators with your own DOT tokens, without using a staking pool. It gives you more control and enables you to receive staking rewards on Polkadot automatically on a daily basis.

**What is the minimum DOT required for direct staking?**

The minimum DOT for direct staking is dynamic and currently around 263.78 DOT. This amount can change based on a few factors such as the percentage of all DOT tokens that are currently staked.\
\
**How are rewards paid in Polkadot direct staking?**

DOT staking rewards in direct staking accrue daily and are automatically added to your staked balance. You don’t need to claim them manually.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you are trying to stake less than the minimum amount of DOT tokens for Direct Staking then Nova Wallet will direct you to Pool Staking.

Learn more 👉[Polkadot Pool Staking](/nova-wallet-wiki/staking/polkadot-dot-staking-how-to-earn-staking-rewards-or-nova-wallet/polkadot-pool-staking.md)
{% endhint %}

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/6QB5sh1kMOk0NVwKxva7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

1. Open the Nova Wallet application.
2. `Select` the **Staking screen**.
3. `Select` **Polkadot**.
4. Review the staking information presented to you.
5. Once you have understood the terms `select` the **Start Staking button**.
6. `Input` the amount of DOT tokens that you wish to stake and then `select` **continue**. Note: recommended validators are selected by default.
7. Review all of the contextual information provided and `Select` **Confirm**.
8. Your staking position will now be displayed on the **Staking screen** within Nova Wallet.


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