redelegation

Redelegation is a term used in some proof-of-stake blockchain networks to describe the transfer of delegated stake from one validator to another without fully unbonding the stake. It allows delegators to respond to validator performance, risk, or changes in preferences while keeping their funds staked and continuing to earn rewards.

In practice, a delegator initiates a redelegation to a new validator. The network imposes constraints such as a redelegation cooldown and limits on how many redelegations can occur within a given period. During the redelegation process, the stake may be effectively in an intermediate state and cannot be redelegated again until the current redelegation completes. The specific rules—such as cooldown duration, maximum redelegations per delegation, and eligible destinations—vary by network.

Rationale and use cases include improving security by avoiding underperforming validators, seeking better rewards or lower risk, and adjusting exposure to validator operators. Redelegation can be preferable to unbonding and re-staking because it may reduce downtime in earning rewards and avoid longer withdrawal delays.

Limitations and considerations include the existence of cooldowns and entry limits that can slow or restrict redelegation, potential opportunity costs during the redelegation period, and the fact that redelegation does not erase prior validator history or penalties incurred by the source validator. In networks that implement redelegation, the feature is designed to provide flexible stake management while maintaining the integrity of the staking system.

Examples are most commonly found in Cosmos SDK-based networks, where redelegation is a defined mechanism within the staking module.