> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://quintes.gitbook.io/quintes/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://quintes.gitbook.io/quintes/participating-in-quintes/staking-qts.md).

# Staking QTS

Staking QTS is how you actively participate in the growth and governance of the Quintes Protocol. 

By locking your QTS tokens for a chosen duration, you strengthen the system, contribute to decentralized decision-making, and earn a share of real protocol revenue through a **dynamic APY model** that adjusts with performance and staking participation.

***

### Overview

Staked QTS is used to:

* Support governance votes and risk parameter decisions.
* Back the **Protection Pool**, which safeguards QNT redemptions.
* Earn proportional rewards from protocol revenue and yield strategies.

Staking QTS strengthens the entire Quintes ecosystem, aligning individual incentives with protocol stability and long-term sustainability.

***

## Step-by-Step Guide

#### **1. Go to the Staking Page**

Click the **“Staking”** tab on the menu bar.

***

#### **2. Connect Your Wallet**

Click the **“Connect Wallet”** button (top right corner of the Quintes app).

Select the wallet your QTS exists in.

***

#### **3. Enter QTS Amount**

Enter how much QTS you'd like to stake.

**Note:** The amount you enter can't exceed the amount in your connected wallet.

***

#### **4. Select Staking Period**

There are 5 options to choose from:

| Lock-up Duration   | Multiplier (Dᵢ) |
| ------------------ | --------------- |
| Flexible (No Lock) | 1.0x            |
| 3 Months           | 1.3x            |
| 6 Months           | 1.7x            |
| 12 Months          | 2.5x            |
| 24 Months          | 4.0x            |

Your selected staking period applies a multiplier to your rewards — longer lock durations earn proportionally higher yields.

***

#### **5. Confirm and Stake**

Your expected rewards should appear after inputting the QTS amount and selecting a staking period.

Click **“Stake QTS Tokens”** to initiate the transaction.

Your wallet will prompt you to confirm. Once approved, your QTS will be locked and you'll begin earning rewards.

***

### Benefits of Staking QTS

* **Earn More Rewards:** Receive rewards from protocol fees, collateral deployment profits, and QTS emissions.
* **Boost Protocol Stability:** Your staked QTS contributes to the Protection Pool, strengthening redemption guarantees and system resilience.
* **Participate in Governance:** Stakers gain voting power on key decisions, from collateral factors to upgrade proposals.
* **Alignment with Growth:** As the Quintes ecosystem expands, both your staking rewards and the intrinsic value of QTS are designed to scale with it.
* **Compounding Opportunity:** Re-stake earned rewards to maximize long-term yield and governance influence.