---
content_id: 156
content_type: evergreen-answer
priority: P1
intent: solve
cluster: dapps-defi
language: en
title: "How Do You Revoke Token Approvals After Using a dApp?"
slug: revoke-token-approvals-after-using-dapp
canonical: https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/revoke-token-approvals-after-using-dapp/
primary_query: "how to revoke token approvals dapp"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-05
publisher: Terenval
---

# How Do You Revoke Token Approvals After Using a dApp?

## Direct answer

To revoke an ERC-20 token approval, identify the correct network, token and spender, then use a trusted approval-checker or block-explorer allowance tool to submit a transaction that reduces the allowance—typically to zero. Because the allowance is blockchain state, revocation is also an on-chain transaction and requires gas. Disconnecting the wallet from the dApp is not the same as revoking the allowance.

## Key takeaways

- ERC-20 `approve` allows a spender to use tokens up to an allowance.
- The approval can remain after you close or disconnect the dApp.
- Revocation changes blockchain state and costs gas.
- Verify the spender and token contract before signing a revoke transaction.
- Review stale or unlimited allowances as part of wallet hygiene.

## 1. Understand what you are revoking

ERC-20 defines `approve`, `allowance` and `transferFrom`. A user authorizes a spender contract for an amount; that spender may later call `transferFrom` within the approved limit.

This permission is separate from a front-end connection. Closing a tab, logging out or disconnecting WalletConnect does not automatically modify the allowance stored in the token contract.

## 2. Find the correct allowance

Use the approval-checker feature of a reputable explorer for the exact network or another independently verified allowance tool. Confirm:

- wallet/account address;
- blockchain network;
- token contract;
- spender contract;
- approved amount.

Do not revoke based only on a token symbol or dApp brand name. Contract identity matters.

## 3. Submit and verify the revocation

A revoke usually sends an on-chain transaction that sets the spender's allowance to zero or another lower amount. Review the network, contract and gas in the wallet before signing. After confirmation, re-check the allowance on-chain.

If several old approvals exist, each may require a separate transaction depending on the tool and network.

## When should you revoke?

Consider revoking when you no longer use the dApp, the spender contract has been compromised, the approval is much larger than needed, or you granted an unlimited allowance to an experimental protocol.

Revoking every allowance after every use can create unnecessary gas costs. The right policy depends on balance size, protocol trust, frequency of use and network fees.

## Common mistakes

- Disconnecting the dApp and assuming the allowance disappeared.
- Signing a revoke transaction on the wrong chain.
- Trusting an unsolicited “revoke” link after a security incident.
- Confusing an approval to spend one token with control of every asset in the wallet.
- Ignoring old unlimited allowances indefinitely.

## How this works in Terenval Wallet

Terenval Wallet can be used as the signer for a legitimate approval-revocation transaction on supported EVM networks. Verify the approval tool/domain independently, select the exact network and review the transaction before signing.

Disconnect unused WalletConnect sessions separately. Session cleanup and on-chain allowance cleanup solve different problems.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does revoking an approval move my tokens?

A normal revoke changes the spender allowance; it is not a payment to the spender. Always inspect the actual transaction before signing.

### Why does revocation cost gas?

Because it changes state in the token contract and must be included in an on-chain transaction.

### Is an unlimited approval always a scam?

No. Some legitimate applications request large/unlimited allowances for convenience, but the larger permission increases exposure if the spender or front end is compromised.

## Sources

- https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-20
- https://support.metamask.io/more-web3/learn/how-to-revoke-smart-contract-allowances-token-approvals/
- https://ethereum.org/reports/trillion-dollar-security/

## Editorial review

Published by Terenval. Technical review: Terenval Wallet team. Last reviewed: 2026-10-05.

## Related Terenval Answers

- [What Is WalletConnect and How Does It Connect a Wallet to a dApp?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/what-is-walletconnect-and-how-it-connects-wallet-to-dapp/)
- [How Do You Evaluate Smart Contract Risk Before Using a DeFi App?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/evaluate-smart-contract-risk-before-using-defi-app/)
- [How Can You Tell a Fake Crypto Wallet App from a Real One?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/how-to-tell-fake-crypto-wallet-app-from-real/)
- [What Is Clipboard Hijacking in Crypto and How Do You Prevent It?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/clipboard-hijacking-crypto-prevention/)

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Official article: https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/revoke-token-approvals-after-using-dapp/