# How to stake via a direct nomination using the Aleph Zero Dashboard

**In this article we will outline how you can make a direct nomination on Aleph Zero WASM via the** [**Aleph Zero Dashboard**](https://dashboard.azero.dev/)**.**

**Please note that:**

* When using a third-party wallet interface, your coins are kept **on the blockchain** in a non-custodial fashion.
* Third-party wallet interfaces are just different tools to access the blockchain.
* You can restore your account using your JSON file or mnemonic seed via **any** of the compatible wallet interfaces.
* **The minimum bond for a direct nomination is 2,000 coins.**
* The screenshots in this tutorial are of the **testnet**.
* You can find more detailed documentation about the dashboard [here](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/dashboard/dashboard-basics).

***

## How to stake via the dashboard <a href="#h_3cfbe1e05a" id="h_3cfbe1e05a"></a>

* Before you are able to stake via [the dashboard](https://dashboard.azero.dev/), you will need ensure that you have two accounts (stash and controller). You can create them as per [this tutorial](https://support.alephzero.org/en/articles/8254857-how-to-set-up-or-recover-your-azero-account-on-the-mainnet-using-aleph-zero-signer).

1. Install one of the compatible browser extensions and restore your accounts on it. The options (with tutorials hyperlinked) are:
   * [polkadot{.js} extension](https://support.polkadot.network/support/solutions/articles/65000169952-how-to-restore-your-account-in-the-polkadot-extension)
   * [Subwallet](https://support.alephzero.org/en/articles/6731041-how-to-set-up-or-recover-your-azero-wallet-on-the-mainnet-using-subwallet)
   * [Talisman](https://support.alephzero.org/en/articles/6804156-how-to-set-up-or-recover-your-azero-wallet-on-the-mainnet-using-talisman)
   * [Aleph Zero Signer](https://support.alephzero.org/en/articles/8254857-how-to-set-up-or-recover-your-azero-account-on-the-mainnet-using-aleph-zero-signer)
2. Head to the dashboard and navigate to the **'Nominate'** tab.

<figure><img src="/files/WR9JdX8Ew1vFZnstHbrD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Click **'Connect'**, select the installed extension and allow access. Then, hit **'Imported Accounts'**.

<figure><img src="/files/h5oT9PbljtVxfPwc7s2g" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Select the stash account. It is now connected!

<figure><img src="/files/bpiIDxiKOkMIvXCheK0k" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Now that your stash account is connected, you can hit **'Start Nominating'**.

<figure><img src="/files/au4IYv2RCtEqlHR0v2c9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Select the desired controller account, then hit **'Continue'**.

<figure><img src="/files/UJ2luCk9faks6m14UzB5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

7. Select the desired reward destination followed by **'Continue'**.

<figure><img src="/files/AuonJA4xe9eMsW4dnFJi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

8. Select **'Display All'** to view all validators and select one by clicking the circle next to it. The, hit **'Continue'**.

<figure><img src="/files/gx6vtceEWYs9jZlAzlHY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

9. Enter the amount that you would like to bond, followed by **'Continue'**.

<figure><img src="/files/ZqxGtR7AdFPRW3ScKGAA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

10. Review the summary. If everything appears correct, click **'Start Nominating'**.

<figure><img src="/files/7Nwx27aDTOSAMT2x5MUw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

11. You have now successfully started staking! Your status should be **'Waiting for Active Nominations'**. Once the next era starts, this will change to **'Nominating and Earning Rewards'**.

<figure><img src="/files/n5dAkkARPWNkrHWQi8k9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

*This concludes the tutorial for staking via a direct nomination on the Aleph Zero Dashboard.*

*If you encounter any issues with this process, please reach out to us via* [*Telegram*](https://t.me/AlephZeroFoundation) *or* [*Discord*](https://discord.gg/alephzero).


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