> 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/getting-started-with-stacking.md).

# Getting started with STX-only staking

STX-only staking replaced Stacking with PoX-5. Stake STX with a pool on app.leather.io/staking and earn rewards in sBTC.

STX-only staking locks STX with a pool for a number of reward cycles and earns rewards in sBTC. It replaced Stacking (pox-4) when PoX-5 activated at Bitcoin block 960,230 on July 30, 2026.

* You stake on [app.leather.io/staking](https://app.leather.io/staking) with the Leather extension connected.
* A pool runs a signer-manager contract. You stake your STX to it, and the STX stays locked in your account.
* Rewards accrue in sBTC and are claimed through the pool's contract.
* A reward cycle is 2,100 Bitcoin blocks (about two weeks).
* You choose a duration of 1 to 96 cycles. You can unstake earlier, and your STX unlocks at the end of that cycle.
* Staking is paused in the last 100 Bitcoin blocks of every cycle.

Bitcoin Staking, in which you lock sBTC in a protocol bond, is a separate path. Liquid staking converts STX into a token instead of locking it. See [Choose a staking method](/stacking/choose-stacking-method.md).

## Start STX-only staking

1. **Get STX.** Hold at least the minimum of the pool you choose. See [Buy STX](/get-started/buy-stx.md).
2. **Choose a pool.** See [Choose a staking method](/stacking/choose-stacking-method.md).
3. **Stake.** See [Stake STX with a pool](/stacking/join-stacking-pool.md).
4. **Claim sBTC rewards.** See [Track your STX-only staking rewards](/stacking/track-stacking-rewards.md).

## What changed from Stacking

* STX locked under pox-4 unlocked when PoX-5 activated. Stake it again with a pool to keep earning. When this applies, app.leather.io/staking shows "Re-stake your STX".
* PoX-5 has no delegation. You stake to a pool's signer-manager contract.
* Rewards accrue in sBTC. A pool can pay them out as BTC to a Bitcoin address, but there is no reward address in the protocol.

Leather does not operate any pool.

## Related

* [Track your STX-only staking rewards](/stacking/track-stacking-rewards.md)
* [Unstake or update your stake](/stacking/exit-or-restake-stx.md)