How to read a Solana signing request before you approve
A plain-language walkthrough of what appears on common wallet prompts, and which details deserve a second look.
When a Solana wallet asks you to approve a transaction, the screen is usually dense with labels that feel urgent. Slow down. The goal of this guide is to help you name the parts of that prompt so you can decide with a clear head.
Start with the destination. If the request names a programme or address you do not recognise, treat that as a reason to pause. Compare the short address fragment on screen with any bookmark you already trust. Scammers often rely on look-alike characters and rushed taps.
Next, look at the permissions. Some prompts ask only to send a specific amount. Others ask for broader approvals that can return later without a fresh warning. If the language feels open-ended, close the prompt and ask someone you trust before continuing.
Finally, check the origin of the page or message that triggered the prompt. A genuine learning exercise never needs you to sign under time pressure. In our Musselburgh workshops we practice this sequence aloud so the habit sticks when you are alone at home.