Solana (SOL) staking allows users to earn rewards by delegating their tokens to validators. However, there may come a time when you need to unstake your SOL—whether to move funds, trade, or use them for another purpose Phantom wallet. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of unstaking SOL in Phantom Wallet, one of the most popular wallets for managing Solana assets.
Why Unstake Your SOL?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to unstake your SOL:
- Liquidity Needs – You need to access your SOL for trading, transfers, or other uses.
- Changing Validators – You wish to delegate your stake to a different validator for better rewards.
- Market Fluctuations – You want to sell or convert your SOL in response to market trends.
- Network Changes – Adjustments to staking policies or validator performance may impact your decision.
Steps to Unstake SOL in Phantom Wallet
Step 1: Open Your Phantom Wallet
- Launch the Phantom Wallet extension on your browser or open the mobile app.
- Enter your password or use biometric authentication (if enabled) to access your wallet.
Step 2: Navigate to the Staking Section
- Click on your SOL balance to view more details.
- Look for the Staking option, which shows your currently staked SOL and validator information.
Step 3: Initiate the Unstaking Process
- Locate the staked SOL you wish to unstake.
- Click on Unstake next to the corresponding validator.
- Confirm the transaction when prompted.
Step 4: Wait for the Unstaking Period
Unstaking SOL is not instant. The Solana network imposes a deactivation period (typically one to two epochs, or about 2-4 days). During this time, your SOL remains in the “deactivating” state and is not yet available for use.
Step 5: Withdraw Your Unstaked SOL
- After the unstaking period ends, revisit the staking section in Phantom Wallet.
- Your SOL should now appear as Withdrawable.
- Click Withdraw to move the funds back to your available balance.
FAQs About Unstaking SOL in Phantom Wallet
How long does it take to unstake SOL?
The unstaking process typically takes one to two epochs (each epoch lasts about 2-4 days). The exact time varies based on Solana’s network conditions.
Can I cancel the unstaking process?
No, once you initiate the unstaking process, it cannot be reversed. You must wait for the deactivation period to end before using your SOL.
Are there any fees for unstaking SOL?
Phantom Wallet itself does not charge fees for unstaking, but a small network fee (fraction of a SOL) may apply when withdrawing funds.
What happens if I forget to withdraw my unstaked SOL?
Your unstaked SOL will remain in the “Withdrawable” section until you manually transfer it back to your main balance.
Final Thoughts
Unstaking SOL in Phantom Wallet is a straightforward process, but it’s important to account for the deactivation period. Whether you’re unstaking to reallocate funds, trade, or switch validators, understanding the process ensures a smooth experience. If you plan to restake your SOL, be sure to research validators for the best rewards and reliability.
Have you unstaked SOL before? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below!