> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.stackingdao.com/stackingdao/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.stackingdao.com/stackingdao/the-stacking-dao-app/ststx-liquid-stx-staking-with-stx-rewards/withdrawing-from-ststx.md).

# Withdrawing from stSTX

**TL;DR:**

* **Bitflow DEX withdrawals** are **instant** (just wait for confirmation).
* **Instant Unstake** allows immediate withdrawals for liquid staking tokens, with a **1% fee**. This option is made possible thanks to **idle STX**—unstaked capital held by the protocol.
* **Traditional withdrawal** via Stacking DAO burns your stSTX and gives you a **temporary NFT** representing your claimable STX.
* You can **initiate a traditional withdrawal anytime**, but if done **within 1 day of a cycle ending** (less than 288 blocks), the withdrawal will complete at the **end of the *****next***** cycle**.
* **Note:** Conversion rates between Bitflow and StackingDAO may vary.

### **How to withdraw**

1. Go to the **Staking** section
2. Find the **stSTX card** under **"Active Positions"**
3. Click **"Unstake stSTX"** to open the withdrawal interface

You’ll be presented with **three options**:

<figure><img src="https://561486992-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FpR2O34qESrn0kvfaMx99%2Fuploads%2FdeLTt9LRMqpETFZ8uh1u%2Fswitch%20ststx%20for%20ststxbtc.png?alt=media&amp;token=ff4cff2f-6d49-4ed4-81d4-73c7027a0786" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This will take you to the **“Unstake”** section, where you can choose to withdraw STX via **StackingDAO**, **Instant Unstake**, or **Bitflow**.

**1)Instant Unstake:**

This option is powered by **idle STX**—unstaked liquidity held by the protocol, which enables **immediate withdrawals** for stSTX.

If idle liquidity is unavailable, you can either use the **DEX option** or wait for the **current staking cycle to end** to withdraw your full STX amount.

**Note:** A **1% fee** applies to Instant Unstake withdrawals.

To proceed, simply select **"Instant"**, enter the amount you wish to withdraw, and click **"Unstake"** in the UI.

<figure><img src="https://561486992-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FpR2O34qESrn0kvfaMx99%2Fuploads%2Ff6h29tJ911DBHo5rfja6%2Funstake%20ststx%20options.png?alt=media&amp;token=acc2c37a-ecc1-4b33-804b-47488e11d84e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**2)Sell on DEX:**

This option allows you to **instantly withdraw STX** by swapping stSTX on **Bitflow DEX**. The process is immediate—just wait for the transaction to confirm.

**Note:** The **conversion rate** may be lower than with the StackingDAO option due to trading fees and potential slippage on the DEX.

To proceed, simply select the **"Explore DEX"** option to be redirected to the **Bitflow swap page.**

**3)Unstake with Stacking DAO:**

To withdraw via the traditional method, select the first option (**"End on Cycle")**, choose the amount of stSTX to withdraw, and click the **"Unstake"** button in the UI.

<figure><img src="https://561486992-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FpR2O34qESrn0kvfaMx99%2Fuploads%2FJC8nerKDWr2NH06wuGtR%2Funstake%20ststx%20options%202.png?alt=media&amp;token=69f9cc8a-088d-4d87-86d3-7d32702dea01" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This method **does not provide immediate access** to your STX. Instead, your stSTX will be **burned**, and you’ll receive a **withdrawal NFT** representing the amount of STX you're entitled to claim.

> **Important:** Do **not** transfer, burn, or sell this NFT—doing so will make it impossible to claim your STX.

Once the current **PoX cycle ends**, the NFT will appear under your **Active Positions** (make sure your wallet is connected).&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://561486992-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FpR2O34qESrn0kvfaMx99%2Fuploads%2FYZ2VtqVpKtkoZE2hNrwF%2FScreenshot%202024-12-05%20at%2017.02.58.png?alt=media&amp;token=9a24a33b-587b-4c71-893f-507c159468a2" alt="" width="530"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When the corresponding **Bitcoin block height** is reached, you'll be able to redeem the NFT and withdraw your STX.&#x20;

If you don't claim immediately, no problem—the NFT **does not expire**. You can withdraw your STX at any time once the cycle unlocks.

**Note for point earners:**\
Once the withdrawal is initiated and stSTX leaves your wallet, **you’ll stop earning points** on that amount. The withdrawal NFT does **not** contribute toward your points total.