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FAQs

Whether you’re just starting your validator journey or fine-tuning your setup, this FAQ section is here to help.

We’ve compiled the most common questions from the PulseChain community to save you time, reduce confusion, and give you confidence at every step.

From wallet setup and staking mechanics to Allnodes integration and security tips, our FAQs are designed to be straightforward and beginner-friendly — no technical jargon, no fluff.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out, and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

Wallets & Key Management
Which wallets can I use to set up a PulseChain validator on Allnodes?

You can use Ledger, Trezor, MetaMask, or Coinbase Wallet to set up your PulseChain validator node on Allnodes.

Will I get a new seed phrase when I create validator keys?

No. When generating validator keys through Allnodes, you will not receive a new mnemonic or seed phrase. Your withdrawal key is your existing PulseChain address.

What’s the difference between a validator key and a withdrawal key?

The validator key allows your node to perform validation tasks. It cannot be used to move funds. Your withdrawal key (your PulseChain wallet address) is what you’ll need to access your rewards. Never share your withdrawal private keys or mnemonic with anyone, including Allnodes.

Are my validator keys secure with Allnodes?

A: Yes. Allnodes uses a multi-level shield system and a non-custodial approach to keep your validator key files secure during the hosting process. Here’s how:

Key Security Details

Optional Key Deletion
If you ever stop using Allnodes, you can request that your validator keys be permanently deleted from their system.
[https://help.allnodes.com/en/articles/6926299-tendermint-based-validator-nodes-key-management-and-security]

Local Key Generation
You generate your validator keys locally using the Allnodes key generator tool. Allnodes never sees or stores your seed phrase or withdrawal key.
https://tools.allnodes.com/pls/generate
[https://help.allnodes.com/en/articles/4664440-how-to-setup-an-ethereum-validator-node-on-allnodes]

Secure Uploads via Encrypted Connection
Validator key files are uploaded using a secure HTTPS (TLS) connection, which ensures that your data is protected during transmission.
[https://blog.allnodes.com/vaas-and-tendermint-keys-management-explained-55b99ef8125a]

Isolated, Containerised Validator Environments
Your validator is hosted in a containerised environment that is sandboxed from other users and services. This prevents cross-access and increases operational security.
[https://help.allnodes.com/en/articles/6926299-tendermint-based-validator-nodes-key-management-and-security]

Non-Custodial by Design
Allnodes does not hold your withdrawal key or have access to your funds. Only the validator key is uploaded — and this key cannot move funds, it only performs validator duties such as signing attestations and blocks.
[https://blog.allnodes.com/vaas-and-tendermint-keys-management-explained-55b99ef8125a]

What happens if I lose my validator key file?

If you’ve lost the validator key file but still have your withdrawal wallet, your funds are safe. However, you will no longer be able to run that validator unless you recover the key or generate a new one and redeposit.

What if someone gets access to my validator key file?

They could operate a validator on your behalf, but they cannot withdraw or move your staked funds. Only your withdrawal key — which should never be shared — allows access to your rewards.

Can I change my withdrawal address later?

No. Once your validator is created, the withdrawal address is permanently tied to that validator key.

Is it safe to store validator keys on cloud storage?

No. Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) is not recommended for storing sensitive key files. Always store them offline, encrypted if possible, and back them up securely.

Setup & Requirements
How much PLS do I need to become a validator?

You’ll need at least 32,005,000 PLS in your wallet. 32 million PLS are required to activate your validator, and the extra 5,000 PLS covers the cost of the deposit transaction.

What is the PulseChain staking contract address?

All validator deposits are sent to the official staking smart contract on PulseChain:
0x3693693693693693693693693693693693693693

Where can I generate validator keys?

You can generate your validator keys using the official Allnodes tool:
https://tools.allnodes.com/pls/generate

How do I upload my validator key files?

During the validator setup on Allnodes, you’ll be prompted to upload your JSON key files. These files are required to activate your validator node.

Can I stake multiple validators from the same wallet?

Yes, as long as you have enough PLS for each validator (32M + 5K per validator), you can generate multiple validator key sets from the same wallet.

Network Setup (All Wallets)
How do I add PulseChain to my wallet?

Use the following network details when adding PulseChain:

You’ll need to add this manually through the network settings in MetaMask, Ledger, Trezor, or Coinbase Wallet.

Wallet-Specific Setup
How do I set up a validator using Ledger?

1. Connect Ledger via MetaMask.

2. Add PulseChain network to MetaMask.

3. Send 32,001,000 PLS to your address.

4. Visit: https://www.allnodes.com/pls/host

5. Click “PROCEED”, then “CONNECT”, and choose Ledger.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

How do I set up a validator using Trezor?

1. Connect Trezor via MetaMask.

2. Add PulseChain network.

3. Fund your address with 32,001,000 PLS.

4. Go to: https://www.allnodes.com/pls/host

5. Click “PROCEED”, then “CONNECT”, and choose Trezor.

6. Follow the setup steps provided.

How do I set up a validator using MetaMask?

1. Install MetaMask and add PulseChain network.

2. Fund your wallet with 32,001,000 PLS.

3. Visit: https://www.allnodes.com/pls/host

4. Click “PROCEED”, then “CONNECT”, and select MetaMask.

5. Follow the instructions on-screen.

How do I set up a validator using Coinbase Wallet?

1. Install Coinbase Wallet.

2. Add the PulseChain network.

3. Send 32,001,000 PLS to your address.

4. Visit: https://www.allnodes.com/pls/host

5. Click “PROCEED”, then “CONNECT”, and select Coinbase Wallet.

6. Complete the guided steps.

Do I need to keep my wallet connected after setting up my validator?

No, you don’t need to keep your wallet connected or stay logged in once your validator is live. After you’ve staked your 32,000,000 PLS and uploaded your validator key to Allnodes, your node runs independently on their infrastructure.

However, you do need to keep secure access to your withdrawal wallet (the one you used to deposit) because:

  • It controls your staking rewards
  • You’ll need it if you ever want to exit your validator
  • It’s the only way to withdraw your funds later

You can think of it like this: your validator does the work, Allnodes keeps it running, but your wallet is still the boss — it holds the key to your rewards and control over your stake.

Using Allnodes
What is Allnodes and why should I use it for my PulseChain validator?

Allnodes is a trusted, non-custodial validator hosting platform that lets you run nodes without maintaining your own hardware. It’s ideal for beginners because of its:

Step-by-step onboarding with MetaMask, Ledger, Trezor, and Coinbase Wallet
Learn more: https://www.allnodes.com/pls/host

Easy, no-code interface

High uptime infrastructure

Support for multiple blockchains

How much does it cost to run a PulseChain validator on Allnodes?

As of now, Allnodes charges $5/month per validator on PulseChain. Pricing is subject to change, so always check the latest fees on their official site:
https://www.allnodes.com/pricing

How do I pay for Allnodes services?

You can pay with:

  • Payment can be automated or manual, depending on your account settings.
  • Credit/debit cards
  • Crypto (BTC, ETH, USDT, etc.)
What happens if I forget to pay?

Allnodes will attempt to notify you before suspending services. If your hosting is paused, your validator may go offline, resulting in missed rewards and possible inactivity penalties.

Is Allnodes affiliated with PulseChain?

No. Allnodes is an independent validator hosting service. It supports PulseChain, but it is not officially affiliated with the PulseChain team.

Is Allnodes a decentralised or centralised service?

Allnodes is a centralised hosting platform but operates in a non-custodial manner. It never holds your funds or controls your wallet, but it does host your validator node on its infrastructure.

What’s the difference between using Allnodes and self-hosting a validator?
  • Allnodes: Simpler setup, automated updates, no hardware required, beginner-friendly UI
  • Self-hosting: More control, higher complexity, needs technical skill and 24/7 uptimeFor most new users, Allnodes offers a safe and reliable starting point.
Does Allnodes have access to my funds?

No. Allnodes does not have access to your funds, wallet, or withdrawal keys. Only your validator key (used to sign attestations) is uploaded, and this cannot move funds.

Does Allnodes control my validator?

Allnodes runs your validator on your behalf using the validator key file you upload. However, they do not control your funds or withdrawal address — you remain the owner.

Can I move my validator to another host later?

Yes. As long as you retain your validator key file, you can stop hosting with Allnodes and migrate to another provider or your own server.

Does Allnodes notify me if my validator goes offline?

Yes. You can set up email or Telegram alerts in your account settings to be notified of issues with your node.

How responsive is Allnodes support?

Allnodes provides email and live chat support. Users generally report fast response times, especially for billing or setup issues.
Support: https://help.allnodes.com

Troubleshooting & Errors
What if I lose access to my withdrawal address?

Unfortunately, if you lose access to your withdrawal wallet (e.g. seed phrase or private key), you will not be able to claim your rewards or exit your validator. It is critical to back up this wallet securely — preferably offline, using a secure method like Hodl Note®.

Can I regenerate my validator key if I lose the file?

Yes — you can regenerate your validator key as long as you still have access to the original wallet (e.g. MetaMask, Ledger, Trezor, or Coinbase Wallet) that was used to create the key.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Visit the official PulseChain key generator:
    https://tools.allnodes.com/pls/generate
  2. Connect the same wallet you originally used.
  3. Set the index value to match the one used during the original generation — usually 0 unless you were creating multiple validators.
  4. Download the regenerated .json key file.

The validator key is deterministically derived from your wallet and index value, meaning you can recreate it exactly — but only if both are the same.

Tip: Always write down and securely store the index value you used. If you chose a non-zero index and forget it, you may regenerate the wrong key and risk running a duplicate validator, which can lead to slashing.

What should I do if my validator is offline or not attesting?

Check your Allnodes dashboard for error messages. Common issues include low PLS balance, missed JSON file uploads, or network problems. You can restart your node from the dashboard or contact Allnodes support.

Can I cancel or exit a validator once it’s activated?

Yes, but be aware: PulseChain uses an exit queue like Ethereum, and your staked funds may be locked for some time before being withdrawable. You’ll need access to your withdrawal wallet to complete the process.

Validator Rewards & Performance
Do I earn rewards instantly after activation?

Not immediately. Once your validator is active on the network and begins attesting, you’ll start earning PLS staking rewards. This typically happens shortly after activation but may vary based on validator queue status.

What happens if my validator goes offline temporarily?

Short periods of downtime may result in missed rewards. Prolonged offline time can lead to small penalties. To maintain optimal rewards and avoid slashing, it’s important to keep your validator online and functioning consistently.

Can I run a validator from a mobile wallet like Trust Wallet?

No. Mobile wallets like Trust Wallet are not suitable for validator setup. Use a supported wallet such as MetaMask (desktop), Ledger, Trezor, or Coinbase Wallet to generate validator keys and manage your stake securely.

Will my validator earn rewards every day?

Generally, yes — once active and online, your validator will begin earning staking rewards regularly. Exact earnings depend on network conditions and your validator’s performance (uptime, attestations, etc.).

Slashing & Penalties
What is slashing in PulseChain staking?

Slashing is a protocol-level penalty applied to validators who behave maliciously or violate consensus rules — such as double-signing blocks or remaining offline for an extended period. It results in a loss of staked PLS and possible ejection from the validator set.

Can I get slashed for being offline?

Not immediately. PulseChain, like Ethereum, applies inactivity penalties before full slashing. If your validator is offline for an extended period, you’ll first experience a gradual loss in rewards, followed by possible slashing if the inactivity continues long enough to threaten network stability.

What actions will get me slashed immediately?

The most severe slashing occurs from:

  • Surround voting (attesting in a way that contradicts previous attestations) These behaviours signal protocol violations and trigger automated slashing penalties.
  • Double-signing (proposing or attesting to conflicting blocks)
How much PLS could I lose if I get slashed?

The slashing penalty varies based on network conditions and validator behaviour. Severe offences can result in losing a portion of your 32 million PLS stake, and you may also be forcibly exited from the validator set.

How can I avoid getting slashed?
  • Only run one instance of your validator key at a time — never duplicate or run it on multiple machines.
  • Use a reliable hosting provider like Allnodes to minimise downtime.
  • Don’t tamper with validator software or keys once deployed.
  • Monitor your node’s status regularly via your Allnodes dashboard.
Is Allnodes responsible if I get slashed?

No. Allnodes is a non-custodial host. While they provide reliable infrastructure, you are ultimately responsible for the validator key you upload and the actions it takes on-chain. Using their service greatly reduces the risk of slashing, but cannot eliminate it entirely.

Could I accidentally run two validator instances on Allnodes?

No. Allnodes prevents double-signing by design. If you try to upload the same validator key twice or start a second host with the same key, the platform will block the action. However, if you run the same key elsewhere (e.g., self-hosted simultaneously), you risk slashing.