What You Need
- For LST restaking: stETH, rETH, cbETH, or other supported LSTs in a Web3 wallet
- For native restaking: 32+ ETH and an Ethereum validator setup
- ETH for gas: $10-30 for EigenLayer transactions on mainnet
- Understanding of operators and AVS: you choose who operates your restaked ETH and which services it secures
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Restaking Method
| Method | Minimum | Complexity | Reward Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LST restaking (stETH) | Any amount | Easy | Base staking + restaking | Most users |
| LST restaking (rETH) | Any amount | Easy | Base staking + restaking | Tax-conscious users |
| {'text': 'Native restaking', 'highlight': True} | 32 ETH | Advanced | Highest rewards | Validator operators |
Step 2: Go to EigenLayer App
Navigate to app.eigenlayer.xyz and connect your wallet. The dashboard shows available restaking options, current TVL, and your restaking positions.
Step 3A: LST Restaking (Recommended for Most Users)
Click "Restake" and select your LST (stETH, rETH, cbETH, etc.). Enter the amount, approve the token, and confirm the deposit. Your LST is now restaked — you continue earning base staking yield while also accruing restaking rewards from AVS operators.
Step 3B: Native Restaking (Advanced)
Click "Create EigenPod" to deploy your personal EigenPod smart contract. Then point your Ethereum validator's withdrawal credentials to the EigenPod address. This requires updating your validator configuration — follow EigenLayer's documentation carefully. Once configured, your entire 32 ETH stake is natively restaked.
Step 4: Select an Operator
After depositing, delegate your restaked assets to an operator. Operators run the AVS software on your behalf. Choose operators based on: reputation, uptime history, number of AVS supported, and commission rate (typically 5-15%). Top operators include P2P, Figment, Kiln, and Allnodes.
Step 5: Opt Into AVS
Operators choose which AVS to support. By delegating to an operator, you opt into their chosen AVS portfolio. More AVS means more potential rewards but also more slashing surface. Review your operator's AVS selection on the EigenLayer app.
Step 6: Monitor Rewards and Risk
Track your restaking rewards on the EigenLayer dashboard. Monitor: EIGEN token rewards, AVS-specific token rewards, operator performance (uptime, slashing events), and total exposure across AVS. Set up alerts for any slashing events affecting your operator.
Step 7: Unstake When Ready
To withdraw, initiate an unstaking request on EigenLayer. There is a 7-day escrow period for security (allowing time for slashing if violations are detected). After the escrow period, claim your tokens back to your wallet.
Fees and Costs
- LST deposit gas: $10-20 on Ethereum mainnet
- EigenPod creation gas: $30-50 (one-time for native restaking)
- Delegation gas: $5-10 per operator delegation
- Operator commission: 5-15% of restaking rewards
- Unstaking gas: $10-15 per withdrawal
- Expected additional yield: 1-5% APY on top of base staking yield (varies by AVS and operator)
Risks
- Slashing risk: The primary new risk. If your operator or AVS has a slashing event, you lose a portion of your restaked ETH. This is in addition to Ethereum's base slashing risk
- Smart contract risk: EigenLayer itself is a complex protocol. The EigenPod and delegation contracts hold billions and are a high-value target
- Operator risk: If your operator goes offline or acts maliciously, your rewards stop and you may face slashing. Diversify across multiple operators
- AVS risk: New and unproven AVS may have bugs that cause slashing events. Prefer AVS that have been audited and running for several months
- 7-day withdrawal delay: You cannot instantly exit. During volatile markets, 7 days of lockup can be significant
- Complexity risk: The multi-layered system (staking to liquid staking to restaking to AVS) means multiple points of failure that compound risk
Pro Tips
- Start with LST restaking: Deposit stETH or rETH first. It is simpler, has no minimum, and still earns restaking rewards. Move to native only if running a validator
- Choose operators with diverse AVS: More AVS = more reward sources. But review each AVS for maturity and audit status
- Do not restake 100% of your ETH: Keep a portion in plain staking or liquid form for flexibility. Restaking adds risk layers that may not justify the marginal yield for your entire stack
- Stack the yield chain: ETH staking (3.4%) + restaking rewards (1-5%) + Aave lending (1-3%) = potential 5-12% APY on your ETH
- Watch for AVS token launches: Many AVS will launch their own tokens and airdrop to early restakers. This can be a significant bonus on top of regular rewards
- Review slashing conditions carefully: Each AVS has different slashing parameters. Understand what can get your ETH slashed before opting in
EigenLayer restaking represents the next evolution of Ethereum's security model. For stakers willing to accept additional smart contract and slashing risk, it offers meaningful yield enhancement. Start small, choose reputable operators, and scale your restaking position as you gain confidence in the system.
Related guides: How to Stake Ethereum | How to Use Liquid Staking | How to Lend on Aave
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EigenLayer restaking?
EigenLayer is a protocol that lets you 're-stake' your already-staked ETH to secure additional protocols called Actively Validated Services (AVS). Instead of your staked ETH only securing Ethereum, it simultaneously secures other services like oracles, bridges, and data availability layers — earning you additional rewards on top of base staking yield.
What is the difference between native and LST restaking?
Native restaking means running an Ethereum validator and pointing its withdrawal credentials to an EigenPod. LST restaking means depositing liquid staking tokens (stETH, rETH, cbETH) into EigenLayer. Native restaking offers higher rewards and more AVS options but requires 32 ETH and technical setup. LST restaking is simpler and has no minimum.
What are EigenLayer points worth?
EigenLayer points tracked restaking activity before the EIGEN token launched. While EIGEN is now live, additional point programs from individual AVS operators continue. Point values vary — early EigenLayer restakers received significant EIGEN allocations. Current points likely translate to AVS token airdrops at their respective launches.
Can I get slashed on EigenLayer?
Yes. EigenLayer introduces additional slashing conditions beyond Ethereum's base slashing. If an AVS you opted into detects malicious behavior from your chosen operator, your restaked ETH can be slashed. Choose reputable operators with strong track records and diversify across multiple operators to limit slashing exposure.