Setting up Validator Keys
To make the deposit transaction(s), you will want your 32 ETH, or multiples, in a single hardware wallet address.
Every 32 ETH you own allows you to make 1 validator. You can run thousands of validators with your node.
Before continuing please have the following:
Before continuing please understand the following:
Offline Key Generation Best Practices: The mnemonic seed (24 words) to your validator should be protected by keeping them offline. Use Tails OS (see option 3) or a Linux Live USB with staking-deposit-cli (Option 1) or Wagyu to generate keys.
If this is not possible, at least physically disconnect from the network by unplugging ethernet cable or disconnecting from Wifi.
Ways to create your validator keys:
Result: There are two types of files generated.
Local node: Skip this step if you generated your keys on your node with staking-deposit-cli. No need to transfer as they're already there.
After creating the validator keys offline, you'll want to copy these validator keys to your node.
To align with this guide's steps, make the default validator_keys path on your node.
To transfer validator key files to your node from your local computer, consider using:
After transferring the files, verify that the keystore-m files are in the proper location on your node.
Expected sample output:
Only deposit the 32 ETH per validator if you are confident your node will be fully synced, which takes on average a day - check your logs, and ready to perform validator duties. You can return later to launchpad with your deposit-data to finish the next steps.
Follow the walk-through at the Launchpad: https://launchpad.ethereum.org
Upload your
deposit_data-#########.json
found in thevalidator_keys
directory.Connect the launchpad with your wallet, review and accept terms. Ensure you're connected to Mainnet network.
Confirm the transaction(s). There's one deposit transaction of 32 ETH for each validator.
Tip for Ledger Nano Hardware wallet users: If you encounter difficulty making the deposit transaction, enable blind signing and contract data.
For instance, if you want to run 3 validators you will need to have (32 x 3) = 96 ETH plus some extra to cover the gas fees.
Your transaction is depositing your ETH to the official ETH2 deposit contract address.
Check, double-check, triple-check that the official Ethereum Deposit Contract address is correct.
4. Review backups
Stay Offline: Write down your mnemonic seed offline. Not email. Not cloud.
More than 1 backup of mnemonic: Multiple copies with multiple locations is better. Best stored in a metal seed.
Verify your hardware wallet's backup: Most important of all data, this is where your withdrawal address belongs and ultimately controls the 32 ETH
In case of recovery: Stored on a USB key, keep copies of
validator_keys directory
- contains all the keystore .json fileskeystore password - used to encrypt keystore files
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