> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.espressosys.com/network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.espressosys.com/network/developer/operators/run-a-node/delegation-ui.md).

# Delegate $ESP

If you don’t run an Espresso validator, you can still put your $ESP tokens to work by **delegating** them. Delegation means you temporarily assign your tokens to an Espresso validator, who stakes them on your behalf. In return, you earn staking rewards, minus the validator’s commission.

**To delegate your tokens please visit:** [**https://stake.espresso.network/**](https://stake.espresso.network/)

## Connecting Your Wallet

* Click `Connect Your Wallet`.
* Once connected, you’ll see key account information, such as your available balance, your staked amount or your claimable rewards.

<figure><img src="/files/SRoiDsMrid1lBRsIFJcL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Choosing a Validator

Each validator sets a commission rate, which is deducted from your rewards in exchange for running the infrastructure that stakes your tokens. When selecting a validator, you can consider helpful data including: total stake, commission rate or missed slots.

**NOTE:** Only top 100 validators are eligible to receive rewards. If you delegate to a validator outside the top 100, you will **not** receive rewards till they enter the top 100.

<figure><img src="/files/WgLEQXMPYQlJ7fmKOXSW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Delegating Your Tokens

* Once you select a validator, click `Delegate`.

<figure><img src="/files/thto0cKY6aTfiaFo97kD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Review key validator details (e.g., APY, commission), then choose the amount of $ESP you want to delegate.

<figure><img src="/files/xt5Tpb89csEIU4Gl2A1s" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Approve the transaction.

<figure><img src="/files/RF2SEbB45Ngwsut1aV6Z" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Confirm the delegation.

<figure><img src="/files/Z5TS47B1TQgGvBPcbLD3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/PZtvkyWzBKhR5v8UYr68" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Manage Your Stakes

After your delegation transaction has been confirmed, you will start getting rewards. You can check your current stakes in the `My Stakes` section.

* Click `Manage` next to the validator you want to adjust.

<figure><img src="/files/IeD6DKKj95s7SIBKXqF5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* From here, you can **delegate more** or **undelegate**.

<figure><img src="/files/toCYLI1obETS1CDFC04S" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* When undelegating, you may choose to **remove all your stake** or **only part of it**.
* Note that it takes around 7 days to complete your undelegation, and you can only have one pending undelegation per validator at any given time.

## Claiming Your Rewards

Once you've delegated, rewards accrue automatically every time the validators you've delegated to propose blocks (see the [staking-cli README](https://github.com/EspressoSystems/espresso-network/blob/main/staking-cli/README.md) for how rewards are calculated). Your **claimable rewards** balance is visible on the dashboard after you connect your wallet, but rewards are **not** credited to your wallet automatically. You must claim them on Ethereum.

To claim:

* Open your dashboard and locate the **claimable rewards** balance.
* Initiate the claim from the dashboard and approve the resulting Ethereum transaction in your wallet.

The transaction calls the Reward Claim contract on Ethereum (see [Networks → Contracts](/network/network/networks.md#mainnet)), which verifies a Merkle proof of your lifetime rewards against the onchain Light Client and mints the difference between what you've earned and what you've already claimed.

A few things to keep in mind:

* The contract tracks **lifetime** rewards rather than per-claim amounts, so you can claim as often or as rarely as you like. There's no penalty for waiting and accumulating.
* Each claim is an on-chain Ethereum transaction, so gas costs apply. Less frequent claims can reduce overall gas spend.
* Rewards do **not** compound automatically. To compound, claim and then re-delegate the claimed tokens. See the [staking-cli README](https://github.com/EspressoSystems/espresso-network/blob/main/staking-cli/README.md).
* For deployed Reward Claim contract addresses on each network, see [Networks → Contracts](/network/network/networks.md#mainnet).