# Token approval

## Definition

A token approval is an on-chain permission that allows another address or smart contract to spend a specified amount of a user's token under that token contract's rules.

## What it means in practice

Many ERC-20 dApps need an approval before they can swap, deposit or otherwise move tokens on behalf of the user.

## How this concept appears in Terenval Wallet

When Terenval presents an approval request from a compatible dApp, users should inspect the token, spender and allowance before signing.

**Important:** An unlimited approval can remain active after the immediate transaction and may create future risk if the spender is compromised.

**[Install Terenval Wallet](https://wallet.terenval.com/?lang=en)**

## Related terms

- [Token allowance](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/token-allowance/)
- [dApp permission](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/dapp-permission/)
- [ERC 20](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/erc-20/)
- [token approval scam](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/token-approval-scam/)
- [walletconnect](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/walletconnect/)
- [transaction verification](https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/transaction-verification/)

## Related Terenval Answers

- [How to Secure a Non-Custodial Crypto Wallet](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/how-to-secure-non-custodial-crypto-wallet/)
- [How to Send Crypto Safely Between Wallets](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/how-to-send-crypto-safely-between-wallets/)
- [Can One Crypto Wallet Manage Multiple Blockchains?](https://wallet.terenval.com/answers/can-one-crypto-wallet-manage-multiple-blockchains/)

## Sources

- https://ethereum.org/en/defi/
- https://docs.walletconnect.network/
- https://wallet.terenval.com/info/security/

Official page: https://wallet.terenval.com/glossary/token-approval/