Overview
Staking TAO to ROOT on the Crucible Labs validator gives you two options: let your rewards compound back into ROOT, or use the Smart Allocator to automatically deploy them into subnets. Which path you take depends on your strategy, not your staking method.
ROOT staking and the Smart Allocator are separate things
Staking to ROOT is the foundation. The Smart Allocator is an optional layer on top that redirects your ROOT rewards into subnets on your behalf.
If the Smart Allocator is not active, your rewards will compound back into your ROOT balance automatically. No further setup is required to earn ROOT yield.
Strategy 1: Stake to ROOT and compound your rewards (no Smart Allocator)
Choose this if you want to grow your ROOT position without diversifying into subnets.
Open the Crucible extension and tap Stake.
Select Crucible Labs as your validator.
Enter the amount of TAO you want to delegate and confirm.
Your ROOT rewards will compound back into your balance automatically. No Smart Allocator setup is needed.
Strategy 2: Stake to ROOT and deploy rewards into subnets (Smart Allocator active)
Choose this if you want your ROOT rewards automatically diversified into your chosen subnets.
Note: This path is only available once your Smart Allocator is set up and running.
Manual stake:
Open the Crucible extension and tap Allocate.
Select Manual Stake, then choose ROOT.
Select Crucible Labs as your validator, enter your amount, and confirm.
Auto stake:
Open the Crucible extension and tap Allocate.
Select Auto Stake and confirm.
Auto Stake is a shortcut that handles validator and subnet selection for you based on your allocator settings.
Common questions
Can I switch strategies later?
Yes. Enabling or disabling the Smart Allocator changes how your future rewards behave. Your existing ROOT stake stays in place either way.
If I stake through the Allocate screen, does that automatically turn on the Smart Allocator?
No. The Allocate screen is a shortcut for staking to the Crucible Labs validator. The Smart Allocator only activates if it has been set up separately. If it is not active, your rewards will compound into ROOT regardless of which staking path you used.
Which strategy is better? Both are valid. ROOT compounding keeps your position concentrated and liquid. Subnet deployment diversifies your rewards across the Bittensor network. Your choice depends on your goals.