> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.stacks.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.stacks.co/operate/protocol-bonds.md).

# Protocol Bonds

Protocol bonds pair a Bitcoin commitment with locked STX. Guides for opening, running and ending a bond position.

A protocol bond pairs a Bitcoin commitment with an STX lock for a 12-cycle term. The Bitcoin side is either a timelocked UTXO you hold on Bitcoin L1, or sBTC held by the contract.

* [Getting Allowlisted for a Bond](/operate/protocol-bonds/getting-allowlisted-for-a-bond.md): how capacity is allocated, what to send the Stacks Endowment, and how to check your entry.
* [Opening a Bond Position](/operate/protocol-bonds/opening-a-bond-position.md): the allowlist, the two Bitcoin legs, the registration deadline, and what the contract checks.
* [Verifying and Reclaiming Your Locked Bitcoin](/operate/protocol-bonds/verifying-and-reclaiming-your-locked-bitcoin.md): checking the lock address before funding, what you need to spend it later, and reclaiming after the timelock.
* [Ending or Changing a Bond Position](/operate/protocol-bonds/ending-or-changing-a-bond-position.md): exiting early, withdrawing sBTC, changing signer-manager, and rolling into a new position.
* [Bond Troubleshooting](/operate/protocol-bonds/bond-troubleshooting.md): why a registration fails, and what to do about it.
* [Bond FAQ](/operate/protocol-bonds/bond-faq.md): short answers, with links to the guides above.
* [Bond pool operator guide](/operate/protocol-bonds/bond-pool-operator-guide.md): running a whitelisted community sBTC pool.
* [sBTC Pool FAQ](/operate/protocol-bonds/sbtc-pool-faq.md): short answers for pool members.

For the conceptual overview, see [Bitcoin Staking](https://docs.stacks.co/learn/bitcoin-staking).


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