# Becoming a validator

## Initial setup

1. Set up a wallet and create an account you will use for your node.
   * You can use Talisman wallet or[Polkadot.js extension](/docs/tools-and-services/polkadotjs-extension.md) or any other compatible wallet app.
2. Get some tokens.
   * Use a faucet if you are on a testnet, see [Testnet Faucets](/docs/tools-and-services/testnet-faucets.md) on how to do it.
3. Insert your private key mnemonic into the node.
   * If you are using the launcher, see [Node Configuration](/docs/launcher/node-configuration.md#key-management) section.
   * If you are using command line interface, use `humanode-peer bioauth key insert --chain mychain.json --suri <your mnemonic>` command.

     You might have to stop your node if you have already started it.
4. Start your node.
   * If you are using the launcher, see [Running the node](/docs/launcher/running-the-node.md) section of the launcher documentation.
   * If you are using the CLI, see [Running the node](/docs/distribution/running-the-node.md) section of the distribution documentation.
5. Scan the QR code and open the web app on your phone.
   * If you are using the launcher, the QR code should appear on the dashboard automatically after you start the node.
   * If you are using the CLI, see the `humanode-peer bioauth authurl --help` and use that command with proper flags. Don't forget to set the `--chain` option properly.
6. In the web app, go to the node setup and complete the following steps

   1. Enroll (see [Enrolling](/docs/bioauth/enrolling.md) for more info) with your phone camera
   2. Rotate and set node keys.

   Now you have your node properly set up. You only need to do this entire procedure once, and you'll need to re-enroll if required due to operational requirements (read: if we announce it) and re-rotate and set the keys when you want to discard your old node and set up a new one.
7. Now authenticate in the web app using your phone.
8. After successful authentication, wait for the beginning of the next session after the current one, and you should find yourself in the validators list.

   Your node should start occasionally producing blocks, and you should be able to see log events signalizing that "a new block is produced".

## Maintaining the validator status

* Do not turn off your node.

  If the network detects your node went offline you will be kicked off the validators list.
* Authenticate within the same session after your authentication expired.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://gitbook.humanode.io/docs/validators/becoming-a-validator.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.