> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kardiachain.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kardiachain.io/docs/archived-docs/staking-overview/validator/the-different-states-a-validator.md).

# The different states a validator

&#x20;A validator can be in three states:

* In the validator set: validator is in the active set and participants the consensus process. Validators can earn rewards and can be slashed for misbehaving.
* Jailed: validator misbehaved and is in jail. If the jailing is offline for too long, the validator can send an unjail transaction in order to re-enter the validator set. If jailing because of a double sign, the validator cannot unjail.
* Unbonded: validator not in the validator set, therefore not sign block, do not earn any reward. It is still possible to delegate KAI to this validator.&#x20;