IQ is the native token powering the IQ ecosystem—a network that includes the Agent Tokenization Platform, a platform enabling users to create tokenized AI agents that can operate autonomously, ADK-TS, the Typescript agentic framework for building sophisticated multi-agent AI systems, IQ.wiki (the world's largest blockchain and cryptocurrency encyclopedia), AIDEN, an AI agent for blockchain knowledge, and SOPHIA, an AI agent for editing, updating, and creating cryptocurrency-related content. When you stake your IQ tokens, you receive HiIQ, a reward and governance token that gives you both earning potential and a voice in shaping the ecosystem's future.
IQ tokens are readily available on Ethereum through major exchanges such as Binance, Upbit, and Bithumb, as well as decentralized exchanges (DEXs) including FraxSwap, Curve, and SushiSwap. Recently, two Korean exchanges, Bithumb and Upbit, migrated their IQ token support from Vaulta to the Ethereum blockchain, making it even easier for Korean users to participate in staking.
Whether you're new to crypto or an experienced DeFi user, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Here's how you can start staking and earning in just a few minutes.
Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out the video tutorial below to see the staking process in action.
YouTube video on how to stake IQ tokens
What Is HiIQ?
HiIQ is the staking mechanism for the IQ token, incentivizing long-term engagement and governance participation within the IQ AI ecosystem. It operates similarly to Curve's veCRV model, rewarding users based on both the amount staked and the duration of their commitment.
How HiIQ Works:
When you stake IQ tokens, you choose how many tokens to lock and for how long—up to a maximum of 4 years. The longer you commit and the more you stake, the more HiIQ you receive.
For example, locking 100 IQ tokens for 4 years gives you 400 HiIQ, while a shorter lock period yields proportionally less. Your HiIQ balance decreases linearly over time as your lock period approaches expiration, eventually reaching a 1:1 ratio with your staked IQ.
Unlike traditional tokens, HiIQ isn't transferable and doesn't trade on exchanges. Think of it as an account-based point system that represents your staking commitment and determines your influence within the ecosystem.
Why Stake IQ?
Staking IQ tokens isn't just about earning rewards—it's about becoming a foundational part of an ecosystem that's pushing the boundaries of AI, blockchain, and decentralized knowledge.
Long-term value creation: The HiIQ model rewards commitment. The longer you stake, the more HiIQ you accumulate, translating to greater rewards and stronger governance influence. This creates alignment between your interests and the platform's long-term success.
Real governance power: Unlike many crypto projects where governance feels symbolic, your HiIQ balance gives you tangible voting power in BrainDAO. Shape decisions on everything from how treasury funds are allocated to which new AI agents get developed. Your voice matters proportionally to your commitment.
Power the future of AI and DeFi: IQ AI is pioneering the intersection of autonomous AI agents and decentralized finance. Your staked tokens help fund the Agent Tokenization Platform that lets anyone create their own tokenized AI agents, the ADK-TS framework for building multi-agent systems, as well as the development of agents like AIDEN and SOPHIA. You're not just investing in today—you're helping build tomorrow's AI infrastructure.
Support decentralized knowledge: IQ.wiki is building the world's most comprehensive blockchain encyclopedia—a censorship-resistant knowledge base maintained by the community. By staking, you're directly supporting this mission and helping preserve accessible, unbiased information for everyone.
Deflationary benefits: Platform fees in IQ are either burned or redistributed to stakers. This deflationary approach reduces the token supply over time and rewards long-term holders, allowing stakers to capture greater value as the ecosystem expands.
The current APR fluctuates based on network conditions, the total staked supply, and your chosen lock duration. However, you can always check real-time rates on the staking dashboard.
Whether you're staking for a few months to test the waters or committing for the full 4 years to maximize returns, your rewards accumulate automatically and continuously.
Getting Ready to Stake
Before you begin staking, you'll need to prepare your wallet and acquire the necessary tokens. This preparation phase is crucial—taking a few extra minutes here will save you potential headaches later.
Here's your checklist:
- Set up a compatible wallet: You'll need a Web3 wallet to interact with the staking platform. The IQ dashboard currently supports three options:
- MetaMask (browser extension)
- WalletConnect (compatible with many mobile wallets)
- Coinbase Wallet
- For this guide, we'll be using MetaMask as our example, but the process is similar regardless of which wallet you choose. Download MetaMask from the official website (metamask.io) if you haven't already.
- Switch to Ethereum Mainnet: Inside MetaMask, make sure you're connected to the Ethereum Mainnet (not a testnet or another network like Polygon or BSC). This is where IQ tokens exist. You can check and switch networks using the dropdown at the top of your MetaMask wallet.
- Add the IQ token manually: MetaMask won't automatically display IQ tokens in your wallet, so you'll need to add them manually. Click "Import tokens" at the bottom of your MetaMask assets list and search for IQ or enter this contract address:
0x579CEa1889991f68aCc35Ff5c3dd0621fF29b0C9Once added, your IQ balance will appear in your wallet whenever you hold the tokens.
Adding the IQ token wallet to MetaMask
- Transfer IQ tokens to your wallet: If you're holding IQ on an exchange like Binance or Upbit, you'll need to withdraw them to your wallet address. Critical detail: When withdrawing, select the Ethereum network (sometimes labeled ERC-20). Both Bithumb and Upbit have recently migrated IQ tokens to the Ethereum blockchain, so ensure you're selecting the correct network during withdrawal. Choosing the wrong network could result in lost funds, so double-check before confirming the withdrawal.
- Keep some ETH for gas fees: Every transaction on Ethereum requires a small fee paid in ETH (called "gas"). You'll need a few dollars' worth of ETH to cover the cost of staking, unstaking, and any future transactions. Gas fees fluctuate based on network congestion, but they typically range from $2 to $20 for standard transactions. If you don't have ETH, you can purchase it directly through MetaMask or transfer it from an exchange.
Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to stake!
How to Stake IQ (Step-by-Step)
This is where everything comes together. The staking process is designed to be intuitive, even if you've never interacted with a decentralized application before.
Step 1: Visit the staking dashboard
Navigate to https://iq.iqai.com/dashboard/stake in your browser. This is your central hub for all staking activities, including viewing your balance, tracking rewards, and managing your stake.
Step 2: Connect your wallet
Click the "Connect Wallet" button, typically located in the top-right corner of the dashboard. A popup will appear asking you to authorize the connection with MetaMask. Review the permissions being requested, then click "Connect." This allows the dashboard to interact with your tokens securely without giving the site control over your funds.
Step 3: Choose "Stake IQ"
Once connected, you'll see your IQ balance displayed on the dashboard. Scroll down to the "Stake IQ" section on the page to begin staking your tokens.
Step 4: Enter the amount you want to stake
Decide how many IQ tokens you'd like to stake. You can stake your entire balance or just a portion—it's entirely up to you. There's typically no minimum stake amount; however, staking very small quantities may not be cost-effective due to gas fees. Consider your goals: are you maximizing rewards by staking everything, or do you want to keep some tokens liquid for trading or other uses?
Step 5: Confirm the transaction
After entering your desired amount, click "Lock." MetaMask will open a popup window showing the transaction details, including the estimated gas fee. Review everything carefully—check that the amount is correct and that the gas fee seems reasonable. Then click "Confirm" in MetaMask to submit the transaction to the Ethereum network.
Step 6: Complete the transaction checkpoints
After you click “Lock”, MetaMask will prompt you with up to three confirmation popups — sometimes referred to as checkpoint transactions. Each serves a specific purpose in the staking process:
- Spending Cap Request – The first MetaMask modal asks for permission to let the IQ staking contract access your IQ tokens. You’ll pay a small ETH network fee to approve this.
- Staking Transaction – The second modal confirms the actual interaction with the Vesper staking contract, where your IQ tokens are locked for staking.Reward Contract Interaction – The final modal authorizes interaction with the HiIQRewards contract, enabling you to earn and track your rewards automatically.
Once all three prompts are approved and processed, the Ethereum network will confirm your transactions (usually within a few minutes). You’ll then see your updated HiIQ balance appear on the dashboard, confirming your stake was successful.
Step 7: View your HiIQ balance and rewards
Returning to the dashboard, your locked IQ is now represented as HiIQ, and your balance will update to reflect your new stake. Over time, your rewards will accumulate automatically—no additional action required. The dashboard displays your current APR, total locked amount, and earned rewards, giving you a complete picture of your staking position.
Important note for exchange users: If you're transferring IQ from Bithumb or Upbit, be aware that IQ tokens have been migrated to the Ethereum blockchain. Make sure you're withdrawing to an Ethereum-compatible address (your MetaMask wallet) and selecting the Ethereum network during the withdrawal process. This ensures your tokens arrive safely and can be staked immediately.
Managing and Unstaking
Staking isn't a one-way street. You maintain full control over your tokens and can monitor your rewards or unstake them after your locked period is over.
Tracking rewards: The dashboard at https://iq.iqai.com/dashboard shows real-time updates of your HiIQ balance and accumulated rewards. Your rewards accrue continuously, so checking in periodically lets you see your earnings grow. The dashboard also displays historical data, current APR, and your voting power in the BrainDAO.
Unstaking your tokens: When you're ready to convert HiIQ back to IQ (whether to trade, transfer, or use your tokens elsewhere), simply navigate to the "Current Stake" section on the dashboard. Select the amount you want to unstake, confirm the transaction in MetaMask, and pay the required gas fee. Your IQ tokens will return to your wallet once the transaction is confirmed.
Important consideration: Some staking protocols include a "lock-up" or "cooldown" period, meaning your tokens might not be available immediately after unstaking. This timeframe varies by platform and is designed to protect network stability. Check the dashboard for current policies on unstaking timelines. If you need access to your tokens by a specific date, plan accordingly and initiate the unstaking process early.
Final Thoughts
Staking IQ tokens is more than just a way to earn passive income—it's an invitation to become an active participant in a decentralized ecosystem dedicated to knowledge, AI innovation, and community governance. By staking, you help secure the network, support the development of the IQ AI ecosystem, and position yourself to benefit from its growth.
Whether you're staking a small amount to test the process or committing a larger sum for long-term rewards, every participant contributes to the strength and resilience of the IQ platform. Plus, with HiIQ, you gain voting power in the DAO—a rare opportunity to directly influence the direction of a major crypto project.
Start small if you're new to staking. Familiarize yourself with the dashboard, watch your rewards accumulate, and explore governance proposals when you feel ready. The IQ ecosystem is built by its community, and your stake represents your investment in its future success.
For more detailed information about HiIQ, its tokenomics, and governance mechanisms, visit the official page at https://iq.wiki/wiki/HiIQ.
Ready to stake your IQ and earn HiIQ? Visit iq.iqai.com to get started today.
References and Further Reading
IQ Links:
- IQ Staking Dashboard: https://iq.iqai.com/dashboard
- IQ Token Information: https://iq.wiki/wiki/iq
- HiIQ Token Information: https://iq.wiki/wiki/HiIQ
- IQ DAO Governance: https://iq.wiki/wiki/braindao
- IQ AI Homepage: https://iqai.com
- IQ Blog: https://blog.iqai.com
- IQ Learn: https://learn.iq.wiki/iq
Blockchain Explorers:
- Etherscan (Ethereum): https://etherscan.io
- IQ Token Contract on Etherscan: https://etherscan.io/address/0x579cea1889991f68acc35ff5c3dd0621ff29b0c9
Wallet Resources:
- MetaMask Official Website: https://metamask.io
- WalletConnect: https://walletconnect.com
- Coinbase Wallet: https://www.coinbase.com/wallet
