The Quick AnswerFind the token's mint address (its unique identifier). Go to Solscan.io and paste the mint address into the search bar. On the token's overview page, look for the "Authority" section. "Mint Authority" shows who can create new tokens. "Freeze Authority" shows who can lock token accounts.
A token with Mint Authority Revoked and Freeze Authority Revoked is considered immutable and trustworthy, as no more tokens can ever be created, and no one can freeze holdings. Detailed Step-by-Step GuideStep 1: Find the Token's Mint AddressThis is the most crucial piece of information. Every token has a unique mint address. You can find it by: From a Wallet: If you hold the token, your wallet (like Phantom) usually shows it when you click on the token details. From a Dex or Website: Project websites and decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Raydium or Jupiter often list the official mint address. Always verify this from the official project source to avoid scams. From a Transaction: If you received the token in a transaction, you can find the mint address in the transaction details on Solscan or your wallet.
Step 2: Search for the Token on SolscanStep 3: Interpret the "Authority" InformationYou will be taken to the token's main overview page. Scroll down until you see the "Authority" section. This is where you find the key details. Here’s what to look for and what it means:
Authority What It Means What to Look For (For a Safe Token)
Mint AuthorityThe wallet address that has permission to mint (create) new tokens and change the decimals. This is powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands.Revoked or a blank/null address. This is ideal. It means the creator has given up the power to create more tokens, making the supply fixed and the token safe from inflation.
Freeze AuthorityThe wallet address that has permission to freeze token accounts holding this token. A frozen account cannot send or receive tokens.Revoked or a blank/null address. This is ideal. It means no one, not even the creator, can freeze your tokens in your wallet.
Common Scenarios and What They Mean
Mint Authority Freeze Authority Interpretation
RevokedRevoked✅ Most Trustworthy. The token is fully immutable. The supply is fixed forever, and your holdings cannot be frozen. This is the standard for legitimate tokens.
Active (has an address)Revoked⚠️ Use Caution. The creator can mint more tokens at any time, potentially diluting the value (a "rug pull"). However, they cannot freeze accounts.
RevokedActive (has an address)❓ Unusual. The supply is fixed, but the authority can still freeze token accounts. This is rare and should be investigated.
Active (has an address)Active (has an address)🚨 Extreme Caution / Likely Scam. The creator has full control to mint unlimited new tokens AND freeze all trading. This is a major red flag.
Important ConsiderationsVerification is Key: Always double-check the mint address from an official source (like the project's verified website or Twitter). Scammers create fake tokens with similar names and websites. New & Legitimate Tokens: It's common for a brand new, legitimate token to have its authorities active temporarily during the initial launch phase (e.g., for a fair launch or adding liquidity). The team should publicly announce their plan to renounce (revoke) the authorities. If they don't, it's a huge risk. "Renouncing" means revoking: In the Solana context, when a project says they have "renounced mint authority," it means they have revoked it, making it null.
By following these steps on Solscan, you can quickly assess the potential risks associated with any Solana SPL token before you decide to invest in it.
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