> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.qie.digital/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.qie.digital/delegators-in-qie-v3/what-is-a-delegator.md).

# 🧾 What is a Delegator?

### 🙋‍♂️ What Is a Delegator?

A **delegator** is a QIE coin holder who chooses to **stake their coins with a validator** — instead of running a validator node themselves.

This allows regular users to actively participate in the network without needing to manage any server or infrastructure.

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#### ✅ What Happens When You Delegate?

By  delegating your QIE coins to a validator, you:

* 🛡️ **Support network security and decentralization**\
  Your coins help strengthen and secure the QIE blockchain.
* 💰 **Earn daily staking rewards**\
  You receive a share of the validator’s rewards, based on your delegated amount (minus their commission).
* 🗳️ **Help determine validator rankings**\
  The more stake a validator has (including delegations), the more likely they are to stay active and participate in block production.

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#### 📢 Why Delegators Matter

Delegators play a **critical role** in the QIE ecosystem. While validators maintain the blockchain infrastructure, delegators:

* **Help secure the network**
* **Influence which validators remain in the active set**
* **Receive rewards for their participation**

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#### 🧠 You Don’t Lose Control of Your Coins

When you delegate:

* You still **own your coins**
* You can **unstake (undelegate)** at any time (after a short unbonding period)
* Your coins are **never transferred to the validator** — they are just locked temporarily for staking

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#### 🚀 Get Started as a Delegator

If you hold QIE and want to contribute to the network **without running a node**, delegating is the simplest and most effective way.