Short answer: yes and no. MetaMask is a non-custodial software wallet (a hot wallet) that connects you to DeFi protocols and staking portals. MetaMask itself does not run a validator service for native chain staking, but you can use it to interact with staking smart contracts and DeFi staking platforms (liquid staking, delegation UIs, staking pools). So when people ask "can you stake crypto on metamask," the best reply is: MetaMask enables staking by connecting to the dApp that performs the stake.
Want to know what that looks like in practice? Read on. (I tested the flows on desktop extension and mobile.)
I tested common staking flows to make the instructions reproducible. Here’s how I set up the tests so you can repeat them:
And yes, I made a small mistake during testing: I accidentally approved an unlimited token allowance on a test transfer and then used a revoke tool to limit that allowance. That’s why the security checklist below is practical.
This section explains "how to stake ethereum on metamask wallet" using a liquid staking dApp as the example flow. Liquid staking is the most common route for MetaMask users because it does not require running a validator node.
![screenshot-placeholder: MetaMask connect dialog]
Important: staking via the Ethereum deposit contract (the 32 ETH validator path) is different — it requires running validator software and owning the validator keys. Do not send 32 ETH to a contract unless you control the validator node and keys.
For swap routing or converting tokens before staking, the built-in swap aggregator in the MetaMask extension can help — see metamask-swaps-and-dex-aggregator.
Which route you pick changes trust surface and liquidity. Liquid staking gives tradable tokens. Delegation keeps native staking exposure but may lock funds for a period.
But remember: hot wallets trade convenience for increased attack surface. For long-term large holdings consider hardware key storage.
| Method | What you stake | Typical token returned | Liquidity | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid staking via dApp | ETH (or token) | Liquid staking token (e.g., stETH-like) | High | Immediate tradability; no validator setup | Smart contract risk; protocol fees |
| Delegation (chain staking) | Native token | Staked balance (locked) | Low–medium (depends on unbonding) | Preserves native staking rewards | Lockup/unbonding; validator risk |
| Direct deposit to validator | 32 ETH | Validator balance | Very low (node required) | Full node rewards; decentralized | Requires validator ops; high cost |
| DeFi staking pools | ERC-20 or LP | Reward tokens | Medium | Flexible yields; composable | Impermanent loss; contract risk |
(Use this table to match your tolerance for lockup, liquidity, and operational complexity.)
Who this is for:
Who should look elsewhere:
Q: Is it safe to keep crypto in a hot wallet? A: Hot wallets like MetaMask are convenient and non-custodial, but they are more exposed than hardware wallets. Use small operational balances in MetaMask and move long-term holdings to hardware wallets.
Q: How do I revoke token approvals? A: Use a trusted revoke tool or the dApp’s UI that displays allowances. Before revoking, confirm the contract address and keep a small allowance if you use the dApp frequently. See token-approvals-and-revoke.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone? A: If you have your seed phrase, you can recover the wallet on a new device (follow backup-and-recovery-seed-phrase). Without the seed phrase, the funds are inaccessible. So back up that seed phrase safely.
Q: How do I stake Ethereum on MetaMask wallet specifically? A: You connect MetaMask to a liquid staking or staking dApp, approve any required token allowances, then confirm the staking transaction. For a step-by-step guide and hands-on tips see the above "Step-by-step" section and liquid-staking-ethereum.
Q: What cryptos can you stake on MetaMask (or "what cryptos can you stake on metamaska")? A: Any token or native coin represented on a chain MetaMask can access via contracts and dApps — primarily EVM-compatible assets and wrapped tokens. MetaMask can't natively sign transactions for non-EVM chains unless a compatible bridge or wrapper is used.
MetaMask itself is the signing tool — staking happens in protocols that accept MetaMask connections. If you plan to stake, start with a small test amount, use a hardware key for larger sums, and check allowances after every transaction. Want practical walk-throughs next? Read how to connect MetaMask to dApps, how to use the built-in swap aggregator, and the guide to integrating a Ledger or Trezor. Ready to stake? Try a small test stake through a trusted liquid staking dApp (and review contract addresses first).