> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.alephzero.org/aleph-zero/staking/how-to-stake-via-a-direct-nomination-using-the-aleph-zero-dashboard.md).

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

Learn how to stake on Aleph Zero WASM 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="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2Fb9gVgNO4vdsWmj1vLde8%2F1.png?alt=media&amp;token=50247bd3-686f-486a-be39-ed0c4f3c60b6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2FrikyJOyWWGLKk4HvXHZ6%2F2.png?alt=media&amp;token=73000e0e-9b52-423f-b1a0-fe9e4df565ab" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2FedeyoySdYeZTwJf5fdMq%2F3.png?alt=media&amp;token=d8d860d4-4907-4697-ba60-68926d4daee1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2Fwbqt00U090vNWx6IK2GI%2F4.png?alt=media&amp;token=d9a950d4-3030-405c-b277-838de66f7abd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2F6dPwkicat1HD9qpOmLBN%2F5.png?alt=media&amp;token=4498e49d-4801-4667-86e2-29422fbea5cf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2FFRV8dC9mQjhBnU00ot4g%2F6.png?alt=media&amp;token=0e5ed6ac-7c78-497e-bba3-f974213df45c" 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="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2Fk7J7MZY3RpgJRedIadxW%2F7.png?alt=media&amp;token=ceac2b87-b8f6-4603-8e23-45e536d2ecbe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2FyAkd7nmpnl5KL3vbBkPR%2F8.png?alt=media&amp;token=1e16edbe-e492-4c65-81c6-e836a6327764" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2FhusOemucvpDcnc3pcdZe%2F9.png?alt=media&amp;token=01e1fdf7-bae9-41fc-8193-c9965d11d59c" 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="https://1927958252-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjxGnEsASyxizmuYQHzry%2Fuploads%2FDcVHAhK1Sk6Tyr5iYxeH%2F10.png?alt=media&amp;token=7e3bad01-5937-43e8-a4d5-614586e8d394" 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).