Solana uses fixed time intervals called epochs, usually lasting 2 to 3 days, to process changes to staking accounts. If your SOL stake is showing as activating or deactivating, it means a change is pending and will take effect at the start or end of the current epoch.
You’ll see these states if:
- You staked your SOL using native staking.
- You’re unstaking PSOL and Phantom fell back to a delayed unstake.
You can check the current epoch progress at solanabeach.io or explorer.solana.com.
When your stake is activating
Your SOL has been delegated to a validator but hasn't started earning rewards yet. It will become active at the start of the next epoch.
When your stake is deactivating
Your SOL is in the process of being unstaked. During this time:
- Your SOL is no longer earning rewards.
- Your stake will remain locked until the current epoch ends.
When your stake becomes Inactive, go to the Solana token page, scroll to Your Stake, select the inactive account, and select Withdraw Stake to move the SOL back to your wallet.
SOL stake life cycle
As your SOL stake moves through the system, it transitions between these four states:
| State | Description |
|---|---|
| Activating | Delegated to a validator, not yet earning rewards. Becomes active at the next epoch. |
| Active | Earning staking rewards. |
| Deactivating | Unstaking in progress. Locked until the current epoch ends. |
| Inactive | No longer staked. Ready to withdraw to your wallet. |