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Solana Restaking: On-Chain Steps Guide 2026
Restaking may offer additional yield by deploying staking positions into extra protocol layers beyond base staking. This guide explains the concept, common protocol flows, and key risk checks before you interact on-chain.
Before you restake — secure the position and fund it:
Secure Your Stake with Tangem (10% Off) → Buy SOL on Kraken — $125 Bonus →What is Restaking on Solana?
Restaking is a mechanism where staked assets — specifically liquid staking tokens like mSOL or jitoSOL — are deposited into a second layer of protocols called restaking platforms. These platforms use your staked SOL's economic weight to secure additional on-chain services called Actively Validated Services (AVSs).
The concept became well-known on Ethereum via EigenLayer, while Solana ecosystem projects have introduced their own implementations. Mechanics differ by protocol and are still evolving.
- Your underlying SOL never stops earning base staking rewards
- Restaking may earn additional rewards depending on protocol economics
- Service categories and reward sources vary by protocol design
- You can typically withdraw your LST from the restaking protocol (subject to any lock-up)
Solana Restaking Protocols in 2026
| Protocol | Accepted Tokens | Additional Yield | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fragmetric | jitoSOL, mSOL, SOL | Variable (AVS fees) | Medium-High |
| Solayer | mSOL, jitoSOL, bSOL | Variable (AVS fees) | Medium-High |
| Native Staking Only | SOL | None | Low |
Protocols listed are educational references. Asset support, reward mechanics, and withdrawal terms can change quickly. Verify official docs, audits, and current contract addresses before depositing.
Step-by-Step: How to Restake SOL On-Chain
This walkthrough covers the full on-chain flow from bare SOL to a restaked position. Each step builds on the last.
Buy SOL on a reputable exchange and withdraw to a self-custody wallet. We recommend Kraken for the on-ramp (bonus availability depends on your region/account). Use Phantom or Solflare as your browser wallet, and consider hardware-backed signing for larger positions.
Go to Marinade Finance or Jito and stake your SOL. You will receive mSOL or jitoSOL in your wallet — this is your liquid staking token and represents your staked position. At this point you are already earning staking yield.
Navigate to your chosen restaking protocol (for example, Fragmetric or Solayer). Review supported assets, current reward disclosures, and withdrawal rules. Higher TVL can indicate adoption, but it is not a guarantee of safety.
Connect your wallet and deposit your mSOL or jitoSOL into the restaking protocol. You will receive a receipt token representing your restaked position. Read the protocol's documentation carefully — understand any lock-up periods or withdrawal queues before depositing.
Rewards typically accumulate from two sources: (1) your underlying LST continues accruing staking yield automatically, and (2) the restaking protocol distributes AVS fees on a schedule (daily, weekly, or per-epoch depending on the protocol). Check the protocol's dashboard regularly and monitor on-chain using Solscan for transparency.
To withdraw, initiate an unstake request in the restaking protocol. Queue and cooldown behavior varies by protocol and may change over time. Once settled, you generally receive your staking asset back, then decide whether to hold, swap, or exit via available unstake routes.
Restaking Risks You Must Understand
Restaking stacks risks. Every additional layer adds surface area for loss. Here is the full risk breakdown:
- Smart contract risk (LST layer): Marinade and Jito are audited, but any smart contract can fail. This risk is present whether or not you restake.
- Smart contract risk (restaking layer): The restaking protocol itself adds another contract layer. If it has a vulnerability, your deposited LST is at risk.
- Penalty/slashing-style risk: Depending on protocol design, certain failure conditions can reduce rewards or principal. Read the latest protocol risk docs and terms carefully.
- Liquidity risk: Restaked positions may have withdrawal queues or lock-ups. During a market event where you need to exit quickly, you may not be able to.
- Protocol immaturity risk: Solana restaking is newer than Ethereum's. There is less battle-testing and track record. Start with a small allocation.
Secure Your Assets During Restaking
Restaking involves signing multiple on-chain transactions. For large positions, we recommend using a hardware wallet to sign these transactions — your private keys never leave the device even when interacting with complex DeFi protocols.
Tangem offers a card-format hardware wallet with a mobile app that supports Solana transactions. It can be a simpler hardware-signing path for users who want stronger key isolation.
- All transaction signing happens on the Tangem card's secure chip
- No seed phrase required — reduces phishing and key exposure risk
- Wallet and dapp compatibility can change; verify current integration docs before use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is restaking on Solana?
Restaking on Solana means taking an already-staked SOL position (via a liquid staking token like mSOL or jitoSOL) and depositing it into a restaking protocol to secure additional networks or services — earning extra yield on top of standard staking rewards. It is similar conceptually to EigenLayer on Ethereum but built natively on Solana's architecture.
What Solana restaking protocols exist in 2026?
Protocols often discussed in Solana restaking include Fragmetric and Solayer. Support for assets, rewards, and lockups changes, so confirm current details in official docs before depositing.
Is Solana restaking risky?
Restaking on Solana carries compounded risk: smart contract risk from the liquid staking protocol (Marinade/Jito), plus smart contract risk from the restaking protocol itself, plus slashing risk if the underlying AVS misbehaves. Start with a small position to understand the mechanics before committing significant capital.
Can I restake SOL from a hardware wallet?
Yes. You can use a hardware wallet like Tangem or Ledger to sign restaking transactions via a browser wallet (Phantom, Solflare). The hardware device signs the transaction securely — your keys never leave the device. Carefully review each transaction prompt before signing, as restaking involves multiple protocol interactions.
What is an AVS in the context of Solana restaking?
AVS stands for Actively Validated Service — a protocol or service that requires economic security (stake) to operate honestly. By restaking your LST, you are effectively lending your economic weight to secure these services in exchange for a share of their revenue. Examples include oracle networks, bridge protocols, and data availability layers built on Solana.
Prerequisites & related: Native vs Liquid Staking · Marinade vs Jito vs Sanctum 2026 · Solana Staking Strategies 2026 · Staking Hub & APY Calculator