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Don’t Leave Token Approvals Open-Ended

By Walid Mograbi · · 2 min read

A token approval is a permission to spend tokens from your wallet, not a simple balance check. Review every approval request, use the smallest practical limit, and revoke permissions you no longer need.

Core lesson

A token approval gives a dApp permission to withdraw tokens from your wallet. It is a real spending right, not just a way to see your balance.

Why this check matters

Long-lived or oversized approvals can expose your wallet to unexpected risk, especially after a dApp becomes inactive, compromised, or unnecessary.

Checklist before clicking Approve

  • [ ] Verify which dApp is requesting access.
  • [ ] Confirm the exact token and chain.
  • [ ] Check the allowance value and the type of limit.
  • [ ] Use a realistic cap whenever possible.
  • [ ] Decide when this approval should be reviewed again.

1) Read the request carefully

Some approval dialogs hide meaningful risk behind technical wording. Make sure you understand what permission is being granted and how many tokens it can access.

Choosing to approve means you are trusting a smart contract, not just allowing a one-time view.

2) Cap first, maximize last

When a high or unlimited amount appears by default, treat it as a draft setting, not an instruction to accept. Prefer a small spending cap tied to the immediate action.

If there is no strong reason, avoid unlimited values.

3) Disconnecting is not enough

Removing a dApp from recent connections does not cancel its allowance. You must use revoke/review actions to cancel token approvals on smart contracts.

Routine maintenance

Apply this checklist before each approval and clean up allowances regularly—especially for outdated apps, over-large approvals, and dApps you no longer use.

Warning: a broad approval combined with a suspicious link can directly enable wallet draining.

Reference notes from candidate

#token-approvals #wallet-security #spending-cap #allowance-revocation #web3-safety