ApeCoin staking has entered a new chapter.
As of April 15, ApeCoin’s staking infrastructure has officially moved from Ethereum Mainnet to ApeChain, a blockchain custom-built to support the evolving needs of the Ape ecosystem. This upgrade is about unlocking a faster, cheaper, and more intuitive experience for $APE holders looking to earn yield while participating in the ApeCoin DAO.
With the migration, staking rewards are now delivered natively on ApeChain. That means $APE tokens automatically generate yield just by sitting in your wallet on the new chain. No more interacting with clunky interfaces or paying excessive gas fees on Ethereum. And for NFT holders in the BAYC, MAYC, or BAKC communities, the upgrade adds even more flexibility for staking without compromising ownership security.
Our Ultimate Guide walks through the complete process of shifting your staking setup from Ethereum to ApeChain. Whether you’re holding just $APE or staking alongside an Ape NFT, here’s how to make the move, step-by-step, and continue maximizing your rewards in the next phase of ApeCoin’s evolution.
— ApeCoin (@apecoin) April 15, 2025NFT staking rewards are now live ON APECHAIN
To accrue rewards you'll need to stake $APE on the new https://t.co/66xqIpOvdM website.
Below we explain how to:
1. Unstake
2. Bridge to ApeChain
3. Stake on the new site
4. Manage your Shadows delegationLet’s dive in 🧵: pic.twitter.com/SbMRSLJozK
Understanding ApeCoin and ApeChain
ApeCoin ($APE) is the utility and governance token of the Ape ecosystem. Governed by the ApeCoin DAO, it empowers holders to propose and vote on initiatives that shape the future of the community. From funding new projects to managing the staking protocol, $APE plays a central role.
ApeChain represents the next evolution of the ecosystem’s infrastructure. With reduced transaction costs, faster confirmation times, and native compatibility with staking and DAO voting, ApeChain offers a unified platform to support the growing needs of the ApeCoin community.
The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC), and Bored Ape Kennel Club (BAKC) collections form the backbone of this ecosystem. By integrating NFT ownership with staking and governance, ApeChain transforms static collectibles into dynamic, yield-generating assets.
With this migration to ApeChain, ApeCoin staking enters a new phase of accessibility, ease, and enhanced rewards. Stay informed, remain vigilant, and take advantage of this upgraded staking ecosystem to maximize your ApeCoin returns.
Understanding $APE Staking
At its core, ApeCoin staking is a mechanism that allows $APE holders to earn passive rewards by contributing to the network’s economic security and governance participation. Traditionally, this staking process was handled via the Ethereum Mainnet, where users staked their $APE tokens through ApeStake.io. The original implementation allowed for what’s known as “soft staking,” meaning holders could keep their NFTs in their wallet while only the tokens were staked into designated pools. This model prioritized user control while still incentivizing long-term engagement with the ecosystem.
However, the Ethereum-based staking system had limitations—especially when it came to fees, speed, and integration with evolving governance structures. ApeChain was developed as a dedicated blockchain environment optimized for ApeCoin utility, including DAO governance, NFT integration, and—critically—staking. With native yield generation, $APE tokens held on ApeChain accrue rewards automatically every block. This marks a departure from traditional staking models, streamlining the user experience and minimizing complexity for holders.
— ApeCoin (@apecoin) April 15, 2025First, you’ll need to unstake all the $APE currently deposited with your BAYC, MAYC, and BAKC from the previous site.
Here’s a video showing you how to unstake from ApeStake.
($APE staked on the old site moving forward will no longer accrue rewards.) pic.twitter.com/QL9shDptGq
Unstaking from Ethereum Mainnet
Before transitioning to ApeChain, users must first remove their tokens from the legacy staking contract on Ethereum. This step is essential, as any $APE tokens left staked on ApeStake.io will no longer generate yield after the migration date.
To begin, visit ApeStake.io—note that the site must be accessed from outside the United States due to regional restrictions. Once connected, ensure your wallet is set to the Ethereum Mainnet and that it holds the NFTs associated with the staking pools (BAYC, MAYC, or BAKC). From there, navigate to the appropriate section of the site and follow the instructions to unstake your $APE tokens.
Unstaking Steps
- Access ApeStake.io from a location outside the United States.
- Connect your Ethereum wallet and select the relevant BAYC, MAYC, or BAKC NFTs.
- Follow the prompts to unstake all your deposited tokens.
This action will return your staked tokens and any accumulated rewards to your wallet. Keep in mind that the unstaking process requires a transaction fee, and that all $APE tokens must be unstaked before they can be bridged to ApeChain. It is critical to unstake promptly, as tokens left on ApeStake.io after April 15, 2025, will cease earning rewards.
— ApeCoin (@apecoin) April 15, 2025Second, to stake on the new website, you'll need to bridge $APE to ApeChain.
One option to bridge $APE is Ape Portal. Below is a video on how to use Ape Portal.
(Please consider that this option takes more time to complete than other options discussed below.) pic.twitter.com/2p6a7jJh8c
Bridging Your $APE Tokens to ApeChain
With your tokens successfully unstaked, the next step is to bridge your $APE from Ethereum Mainnet to ApeChain. This is a crucial process, as staking and yield generation on ApeChain are only possible with ApeChain-native tokens. There are two primary bridging methods, each with distinct benefits.
The first is the Ape Portal, a trusted bridge built by the ApeCoin community. It is known for its reliability and user-friendly interface. However, it tends to be slower than other options. To use it, visit apechain.com/portal, connect your wallet, and follow the bridging prompts.
For users who prefer faster execution, the Relay Bridge offers a quicker alternative, though it involves a small transaction fee. The Relay Bridge is particularly useful for time-sensitive transfers, and instructions are clearly provided through official ApeCoin channels. Occasionally, users may experience temporary liquidity constraints. If you encounter an “insufficient funds” message, wait a few minutes as additional liquidity is added.
Note that during this step, you are only bridging the $APE tokens themselves—your NFTs remain on Ethereum. ApeChain uses Shadow NFTs to reflect ownership for staking purposes.
— ApeCoin (@apecoin) April 15, 2025Third, your $APE is now on ApeChain and ready to be staked on the new website.
Navigate to the official https://t.co/66xqIpOvdM site to get started—here’s a video on how to stake: pic.twitter.com/5Npd986WIX
How to Stake Your Tokens on ApeChain
Once delegation is configured and your $APE tokens are successfully bridged, you’re ready to stake on ApeChain. Begin by adding the ApeChain network to your wallet. If you haven’t done this already, a step-by-step guide is available via apechain.hub.caldera.xyz.
Next, navigate to apechainstake.io, the official ApeCoin DAO staking portal. Connect your warm wallet (or your main wallet if you’re staking directly), and confirm that your $APE tokens are available on the ApeChain network.
From the dashboard, choose the appropriate pool: BAYC, MAYC, or BAKC. Each NFT collection has a distinct maximum stake limit per asset:
- BAYC: Up to 10,094 $APE per NFT
- MAYC: Up to 2,042 $APE per NFT
- BAKC: Up to 856 $APE per NFT
Select your desired pool, enter the amount of $APE you’d like to stake (or choose “max stake”), and click “Commit.” Your $APE will be staked to the pool, and your rewards will begin to accrue automatically.
It is critical to remember that staking is linked to the NFT itself. If you sell or transfer the NFT—either the original or its Shadow representation—the staked $APE goes with it. Always ensure you unstake your tokens before selling any NFT to avoid losing your stake and associated rewards.
Staking your $APE tokens on ApeChain is user-friendly, but requires careful attention to specific steps:
— ApeCoin (@apecoin) April 18, 2025Ignore the rumors. There’s absolutely no reason to stake ApeCoin ON APECHAIN right now.
It’d be a shame if the APR dropped because too many Apes were staking. pic.twitter.com/chLLHkKN4x
Prerequisites:
- Ensure the ApeChain network is correctly added to your wallet (add ApeChain).
- Keep a small balance of $APE in your wallet to cover transaction fees (gas).
Detailed Staking Steps:
- Visit the official staking platform at apechainstake.io.
- Connect either your “warm” delegated wallet or your main wallet.
- Select the NFT staking pool: BAYC, MAYC, or BAKC.
- Choose how much $APE to stake (maximum limits apply per NFT)
- Click “Commit” to finalize staking.
— ApeCoin (@apecoin) April 15, 2025Finally, if you'd like to use a different wallet to manage your staking, you'll need to delegate your Shadow.
You can do this using @delegatedotxyz. Here's a video on how to manage Shadow delegations:
(Freshly delegated assets will take about 90 seconds to update). pic.twitter.com/REmKSflDXZ
Shadow NFT Delegation Management
One of the more innovative elements of staking on ApeChain is the use of Shadow NFTs. These tokens mirror your original BAYC, MAYC, or BAKC NFTs on Ethereum, allowing you to stake without transferring the actual asset. This protects your NFT while still enabling participation in staking pools.
To enable this, you must delegate your NFT from your cold or vault wallet to a warm wallet you intend to use for staking. This process involves several important steps. First, ensure you’re operating from your Ethereum wallet where the NFT resides. Visit Delegate.xyz, the only delegation service currently supported for ApeChain staking. Warm.xyz is not compatible at this time.
After connecting your vault wallet, initiate the delegation by selecting the warm wallet to which you wish to assign your Shadow NFT. Be sure to toggle on the Shadow NFT setting, which is essential for this feature to function. Once delegated, your warm wallet will hold the staking rights, even though the original NFT remains secured in your cold wallet.
This method is recommended because it strikes a balance between security and usability, enabling active participation without exposing your valuable NFTs to direct contract interactions.
Heads up: all BAYC, MAYC, Koda and BAKC NFTs are now supported by Shadows, a soulbound digital twin that can be used to prove your ownership on ApeChain. pic.twitter.com/snnLo87Rhr
— Yuga Labs (@yugalabs) April 21, 2025
Delegation Strategies:
- Direct Staking: Connect your primary wallet directly to ApeChainStake.io. Though straightforward, this method poses more security risks.
- Delegate with Shadows (Highly Recommended):
- Start delegation from your Ethereum-based cold wallet.
- Activate the Shadow NFT delegation toggle.
- Delegate your Shadow NFT to a “warm” wallet specifically used for staking purposes, significantly enhancing security.
Safety and Practical Tips
While ApeChain has been audited and built with security in mind, users must still exercise caution. Always double-check URLs, use hardware wallets when possible, and avoid interacting with unofficial support channels or unsolicited messages.
To maximize your staking performance:
- Monitor your earnings regularly via trackmyyield.xyz
- Maintain a small balance of $APE for transaction fees
- Unstake before transferring or listing your NFTs
Additionally, remember that you can purchase more $APE on exchanges like Coinbase or Binance, but these tokens must be bridged from Ethereum before they can be used on ApeChain. As of this writing, no centralized exchanges support native ApeChain withdrawals.
Security is paramount—always verify URLs, avoid phishing scams, and use only official support channels provided by ApeChain (Telegram: @ApeChainHUB, X profiles: @apecoin, @BoringSecDAO).
Quick Reference FAQs
Is there a lock-up period for staking? No. You may stake or unstake at any time, providing full flexibility and control over your assets.
How is the reward rate determined? Rewards are allocated based on the amount of $APE staked and the pool’s activity. As more users join, yields may fluctuate. All emissions follow the incentive distribution curve outlined in AIP-22.
What happens if I sell my NFT while it is staked? The staked $APE transfers with the NFT. The buyer gains ownership of both the NFT and the staked tokens. Always unstake before selling to retain your assets.
Is staking secure? While every precaution has been taken—including audits by Halborn—staking always carries risk. Only interact with verified contracts and interfaces.
Still have questions? Check out the full FAQ section on the ApeChainStake website.
— ApeCoin (@apecoin) April 19, 2025No more bouncing around on VPNs.
ApeChainStake is for apes 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.
Stake your ApeCoin with a BAYC, MAYC, or BAKC now to start earning rewards ON APECHAIN. pic.twitter.com/cjhTiHXZfZ
Conclusion
The migration of ApeCoin staking to ApeChain is a strategic leap forward for the ecosystem. It reduces friction, enhances earning potential, and unlocks new layers of utility for both token holders and NFT collectors.
Whether you’re a long-time member of the Ape community or a newcomer exploring what $APE has to offer, ApeChain provides a powerful, user-friendly environment to participate in staking and governance. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the new landscape and make the most of your ApeCoin experience.
Stay secure, stay informed, and stake smart.
