# Becoming a Validator

After successfully setting up the wallet, follow this guide to become a validator

### Getting into the validators' list

{% hint style="warning" %}
It is not enough to just enroll and authenticate to become a validator at Mainnet!
{% endhint %}

You need to go through the following steps to become a validator:

1. Enroll with the network.
2. Rotate and set the node keys
3. Authenticate

These steps require a handheld device.

Let's look at these step by step:

#### Set up the Node

Scan the QR code and open the web app on your phone.

* If you use the launcher, the QR code should automatically appear on the dashboard 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.

{% hint style="info" %}
The following processes require a network fee (less than 1 HMND), so make sure you have 1 HMND in your wallet. You can [Broken link](https://gitbook.humanode.io/mainnet-guide/validator/broken-reference "mention")
{% endhint %}

On your phone, click on "Set up the Node." Remember, this is a one-time process.

<figure><img src="https://122614963-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrgU5243aAf21EwxQUd2i%2Fuploads%2FDDBSe1TncD2AIihHtqn8%2FIMG_0036.PNG?alt=media&#x26;token=8a212ca8-740f-4848-9338-01b23e7ccd5c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

On the next screen, click "**Enroll**" and follow the instructions to scan your face. After enrolling, return to this screen and click "**Rotate and Set Keys.**"

<figure><img src="https://122614963-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrgU5243aAf21EwxQUd2i%2Fuploads%2FV2X2JpKKAh7CoFsA5DfL%2FIMG_0037.PNG?alt=media&#x26;token=19ef8248-86a4-4ee5-b647-2cdf5de07e95" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
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.
{% endhint %}

#### **Authenticate**&#x20;

Go back to Authenticate using your phone in the web app.&#x20;

Once authorized, all checks in the launcher app will turn green, or if using CLI, verify your validator status with this command:\
\
`curl -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"id":1, "jsonrpc":"2.0", "method": "bioauth_status"}' http://localhost:9933`&#x20;

After authentication, wait for the next session to see your name in the validators list.

### Maintaining the validator status

* Do not turn off your node. You will be kicked off the validators list if the network detects your node went offline.&#x20;
* If you run the node locally, your PC/Laptop must be switched on 24/7 with sleep mode turned off.&#x20;
* Authenticate within the same session after your authentication expires.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
An epoch or session is 4 hours long. So you still have ample time to reauthenticate once your verification expires. &#x20;
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
REMEMBER that to keep your node up and running you need to reauthenticate every 7 days. So choose a convenient time to authenticate.
{% endhint %}

You are now a validator, please go back to the launcher app and start your node.