> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.leather.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.leather.io/stacking-and-sbtc-reference/stacking-lock-stx.md).

# Locking STX for staking

What happens to staked STX while it is locked, and when it unlocks.

Staked STX stays in your account but is locked by the `pox-5` contract.

* You cannot send, swap or spend locked STX.
* It unlocks at the scheduled end of your stake, or at the end of the cycle in which you unstake.
* In the Leather extension, it shows as "STX locked" under "All balances" in Settings.

STX locked under Stacking (pox-4) unlocked when PoX-5 activated at Bitcoin block 960,230. To keep earning, stake it again with a pool.

See [Staking duration](/stacking-and-sbtc-reference/stacking-duration.md).