Key takeaways from the post:
Withdrawal protection is a new security feature from Binance that locks all withdrawals during a lock window you set, between 1 and 7 days.
It was designed for scenarios where digital protections, like 2FA and passwords, don't cut it — specifically, when you’re being pressured in person to move your funds.
By default, a lock cannot be ended early by anyone, including you. An optional setting 'Allow early unlock' is available for users who want more flexibility.
Most security recommendations you read about cryptocurrencies assume the threat is digital. Some of the main threats include malicious phishing links, impersonation scams, SIM swaps, and compromised seed phrases — and the industry has built robust defenses against them.
But there is a category of risk that these defenses do not cover: physical coercion. These are situations where someone is pressured, in person, to move their own funds. These cases are rare, but when they occur, losses can be severe and irreversible.
When activated, withdrawal protection locks all on-chain withdrawals from your Binance account during a predefined lock window. During this window, no one, including you, can move your cryptocurrencies off the platform.
How withdrawal protection works
You can enable withdrawal protection in your account settings. Once it's active, on-chain withdrawal requests will be blocked during the lock window you choose. You can set it from 1 to 7 days; the default window is 48 hours.
When you enable withdrawal protection, the default setting is a total lock that cannot be overridden by anyone, including you. This is designed for users who want the assurance that their assets are immune to any form of pressure or coercion.
If you want more flexibility, enabling [Allow early unlock] lets you end the lock before the window expires, using your security key and authenticator app. Optionally, you can add a confirmation sent to a separate phone number or email address as an extra security step.
The rest of your Binance account continues to function normally during a lock. You can still trade, maintain positions, and access your account. Only withdrawals are restricted.
As good practice, you should still use multi-factor authentication, withdrawal whitelists, anti-phishing codes, and passkeys whenever possible. Withdrawal protection is specifically designed to handle physical security concerns that other layers cannot cover.
How to enable withdrawal protection on Binance
You can enable withdrawal protection both through the Binance app and the web.
In the app
Open the Binance app and tap the [Account Center] icon on the home screen.
Tap your profile to open [Account Information].
Tap on [Security] → [Withdrawal Protection].
Choose your lock period (from 1 to 7 days, default 2), decide if you want to allow early unlock, and tap [Confirm].
iOS users must be on iOS 16 or higher and app version 3.14.0 or higher to use this feature.
On the web
Log in and go to [Profile] → [Account].
Open [Security] → [Advanced Security] → [Withdrawal Protection].
Set your lock period, choose your unlock settings, and confirm.
Setting up your definitions
Set your lock period to any duration between 1 and 7 days. The default window is 2 days.
[Allow early unlock] is off by default. Keeping it off means the lock will last until the end. Enabling it requires you to set up a security key and an authenticator app as verification methods, with phone and email as optional additional steps.
After confirming, you will see when your lock ends. If you enabled early unlock, an [Unlock Early] button will appear on the same screen.
Security checklist: tips to protect your Binance account
No single feature covers all scenarios. Below is a list of ways to protect your account from hackers and physical threats.
Don't publicly disclose your assets or trading activity: Screenshots of balances, PnL posts, and detailed public comments about positions are the most common ways traders become identifiable as holders of significant funds.
Use withdrawal whitelists: Restricting outgoing transfers to a short list of pre-approved addresses eliminates much of the attacker's options, even if your account is compromised.
Enable biometric login: Facial recognition or fingerprint verification ties account access to your physical device, which is significantly harder to compromise than a password or a one-time code.
Use passkeys when available: Utilize this passwordless login method that relies on cryptographic verification stored on your device. Passkeys eliminate the primary attack surface for phishing and SIM swap attacks and make logging in faster on compatible devices.
Set an anti-phishing code: Once activated, this unique 8-character code appears in all official Binance emails sent to you. If a message claims to be from Binance and the code is missing or incorrect, it is not from Binance.
Final considerations
Binance is committed to building the most secure platform for storing your funds. With withdrawal protection, you now have the ability to safeguard yourself against physical threats.
It's not a feature we expect most users to need frequently, but it exists for those moments when you do. You can activate it in your account's security settings in under a minute.
Further reading
What is smishing? How to protect your Binance account with an anti-phishing code
Binance Wallet Security Center – designed to identify, assess, and manage potential threats in DeFi
Attention: Note that there may be discrepancies between this original content in English and any translated versions (these versions may be generated by AI). Please consult the original English version for the most accurate information if discrepancies arise.