WORLDCRYPTOCURRENCY GUIDE
Practical analysis

Token approvals: review and revoke spending permissions

Connecting a wallet to a site differs from granting token spending rights. An approval can remain active after disconnecting.

Spending permission closed after a wallet review
Spending permission closed after a wallet review
Short answer

On each network, inspect approved spenders, token and limit. Revoke permissions you no longer need with a trusted tool, then verify the confirmed transaction. If a recovery phrase is exposed, revocation alone is insufficient.

Identify the approval

Token, spender and limit

Separate the actions

Disconnect versus revoke

Review access

Use a trusted source

01

Identify the approval

An ERC-20 approval lets an address or contract spend a token up to a set limit. Check the network, token contract, spender and allowance; an unlimited amount increases exposure.

02

Separate the actions

Disconnecting a site ends an interface session but generally does not remove an on-chain approval. A message signature or off-chain permission may follow different rules: read every request before signing.

03

Review access

Open the wallet’s own tool or a known block explorer yourself, select the correct network and compare addresses with actual activity. Avoid messages claiming you must urgently follow a revocation link.

04

Revoke carefully

Reduce or cancel an approval you no longer need. Revocation is normally an on-chain transaction and may require the network’s native asset for fees. Read the wallet prompt before signing and wait for confirmation.

05

Verify afterwards

Refresh the approval list after confirmation. Revocation cannot recover assets already moved and cannot secure a compromised key or recovery phrase; that calls for a migration plan from a clean device.

Compare

Checks to make

TopicCheck
Identify the approvalToken, spender and limit
Separate the actionsDisconnect versus revoke
Review accessUse a trusted source
Revoke carefullyConfirm the transaction
Verify afterwardsAssess remaining risk
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is disconnecting my wallet enough?

No. An on-chain token approval can remain active after a site is disconnected.

Does revoking close a DeFi position?

Generally the spending permission changes, while an existing position is separate. Check the specific protocol.

Why does revocation cost a fee?

Changing the approval is an on-chain transaction and normally needs the network’s native asset for fees.

Verifiable sources

Independent educational content reviewed against primary documentation. No personalized recommendation or promise of returns. Reviewed September 25, 2026