After claiming an airdrop, most users feel the job is done. The tokens arrive, excitement fades, and the website is closed. What many don’t realize is that the real risk often starts after the claim.
During the airdrop process, your wallet may grant permissions to smart contracts. If those permissions are left active, they can be abused later—sometimes without any warning.
This article explains why revoking token approvals is critical, how approvals work, and how to revoke them step by step to protect your wallet.
What token approvals actually do
Token approvals allow a smart contract to move tokens from your wallet on your behalf. This is required for swaps, bridges, and many airdrop claims.
The problem is that approvals usually have no automatic expiry. Once granted, a contract may keep access forever unless you manually remove it.
Many users assume approvals disappear when they leave the site. They don’t.
Why airdrop approvals are especially risky
Airdrop claim contracts are often temporary. Once the claim period ends, there is usually no reason for those contracts to keep access to your tokens.
If the contract is:
- poorly written
- hacked later
- intentionally malicious
it can use existing approvals to transfer tokens without asking again. This is why some users lose funds days or even weeks after claiming an airdrop.
If you’re unsure how risky airdrop claiming can be, read this first:
Internal link: Is Claiming Airdrops Safe? Hidden Risks Most Users Ignore
When you should revoke approvals immediately
You should revoke token approvals when:
- you finished claiming an airdrop
- you no longer use a specific dApp
- you don’t recognize a contract name
- an approval shows unlimited allowance
Revoking approvals is not extreme security behavior. It’s basic wallet hygiene.
Step 1: Check which approvals exist
The first step is visibility. You need to see which contracts currently have permission to access your tokens.
There are trusted tools that let you:
- paste your wallet address
- view approved contracts
- see allowance amounts
This process does not require signing or connecting your wallet.
Step 2: Review approvals carefully
Not every approval is dangerous. Some are linked to platforms you actively use.
Focus on:
- old airdrop claim contracts
- unknown or suspicious names
- contracts with unlimited allowances
If you don’t remember approving it, that’s a strong signal to revoke it.
Step 3: Revoke the approval
Revoking an approval requires a blockchain transaction. This transaction sets the allowance to zero, removing the contract’s ability to move your tokens.
You will need to:
- confirm the transaction in your wallet
- pay a small gas fee
- wait for confirmation
Once confirmed, the approval is effectively removed.
Step 4: Confirm the approval is gone
After revoking, refresh the approval list to make sure the contract no longer has access.
If the approval still appears, wait for confirmation or try again carefully. Never assume it worked without checking.
Common mistakes users make
Many users revoke approvals but forget important details:
- approvals are network-specific
- stablecoins often have separate approvals
- new airdrops create new approvals
Revoking on one chain does not revoke permissions on another.
How often should you revoke approvals?
A simple habit works best:
- after every airdrop claim
- once a month for active wallets
- immediately after testing new projects
It takes minutes and can prevent major losses.
Extra safety tips for airdrop users
For stronger protection:
- use a separate wallet for airdrops
- avoid unlimited approvals when possible
- never rush approval transactions
Also make sure your wallet qualifies legitimately before interacting:
Internal link: Why Your Wallet Is Not Eligible for an Airdrop
Conclusion
Claiming an airdrop does not end when tokens arrive. Token approvals can silently expose your wallet long after the excitement fades.
By regularly reviewing and revoking approvals, you close one of the most common security gaps in crypto. This single habit protects not just airdrop rewards, but everything else in your wallet. Smart users don’t just earn tokens—they keep control of them.
