# Unstaking

The unstaking process happens in two steps:

1. Validator owner needs to **request the exit of the validator through a smart contract call**. This will emit an onchain event to notify the operator to perform the validator exit. Once the validator exit is performed by the operator, the validator join the Ethereum protocol exit queue before being fully withdrawn to the Kiln Onchain Dedicated corresponding CL Recipient address. This process can take from a couple days to weeks depending on the protocol activit.
2. Once the full balance of the validator has been withdraw to the corresponding CL Recipient address, the **validator owner can perform a usual rewards claim contract call** to receive its funds. Note that **no commission is taken on the staked principal** (32 ETH) when withdrawing it.