Apr 18, 2023 | Updated Jul 21, 2023

As you’ve been exploring the world of cryptocurrency, you may have come across the terms ‘validator’ or ‘miner’. However, do you know what they do and do you know the difference between them? A validator plays a vital role in validating transactions on specific blockchains that use a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus, such as Ethereum and Solana.  As such, understanding what they do is important if you want to explore these popular ecosystems.

So what exactly is the role of the validator; what do they do, and how do they do it? Let’s take a closer look at a crypto validator’s role in a PoS blockchain and how you can become one yourself.

What is a Validator in Crypto?

A validator is a participant in a Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchain network that is responsible for validating new transactions and maintaining the security of the blockchain. Validators do this by staking their crypto to support the network.

What Do Blockchain Validators Do?

Essentially validators verify new transactions and add them to the blockchain. This involves checking that blockchain transactions are valid according to the network’s rules and ensuring that the sender has enough funds to complete the transaction. In return for their work, validators receive transaction fees.

In addition to validating transactions, validators also play a critical role in maintaining the security of the network. They do this by monitoring the blockchain for any signs of malicious activity, such as double-spending 

To become a validator, a network participant must lock up a specific amount of the network’s native cryptocurrency. This is called crypto staking. They provide this amount as collateral to ensure their honesty. Essentially, validators are incentivized to play by the rules, as their stake, i.e. their funds, can be slashed if they attempt any malicious behavior.

Validators Vs. Miners: What’s the Difference?

A validator is similar to a miner in that they both add blocks to the blockchain. However, there are some key differences between the two. 

Firstly, Miners validate transactions on blockchains that use a Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism, such as Bitcoin.

With this method, miners with specialized computers must work to solve complex mathematical problems.  The miner that solves the puzzle first receives both a block reward and the transaction fee. However, this requires specific hardware and a lot of energy. 

On the other hand, validators can validate transactions on  Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains without specific hardware. Instead, they prove their honesty by staking coins. Then they are rewarded in transaction fees or similar after verifying these transactions.

How To Become a Crypto Validator

The process for becoming a crypto validator will vary depending on the cryptocurrency you’ve chosen, but it will typically involve setting up validator crypto nodes and staking tokens as collateral for the right to validate transactions. 

Staking with Ledger is simple. You can even run your own Ethereum validator node directly from your Ledger hardware wallet by following these simple steps:

1. Open your Ledger Live app. 
2. If you haven’t got one already, create an Ethereum Account. For the full explanation, check out how to add an Ethereum account to Ledger.
3. Once you have an Ethereum account, go into it and Click the Earn Rewards button.
4. Choose your validator by Selecting Ledger or Ledger by Figment in the list of validators.
5. Choose the amount of crypto to stake. Do your own research as your funds may be locked for some time.

And you’re all set. 

You can also fund a validator via Ledger partners such as Kiln using the Discover feature in your Ledger Live app. Kiln allows you to stake your ETH to fund a validator and earn a highly predictable return of up to 4.5% APR. 

Get in on Blockchain Validator’s Rewards

Validators are an essential part of proof-of-stake blockchain networks. They help to ensure the security and stability of the chain and are rewarded for their work in the form of transaction fees and block rewards. If you want to become a validator, it’s important to know the terms of your commitment. When you stake with Ledger, you can be confident that you’re getting competitive rewards and ownership of your coins.