> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://memeko.gitbook.io/memeko-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://memeko.gitbook.io/memeko-docs/token-locking.md).

# Token Locking

Token locking allows creators and token holders to voluntarily lock their Memeko tokens for a specified period or permanently remove them from circulation.

By making token-locking information publicly visible, Memeko aims to give communities more transparency into token allocations and help users evaluate a project's commitment to its stated tokenomics.

Token locking is optional and does not guarantee that a token or project is safe.

### What Is Token Locking?

Token locking restricts the transfer or sale of a selected token allocation according to the chosen locking mechanism.

Memeko's documented design supports two types of locks:

* **Time-Lock** — Tokens are locked until a specified date.
* **Permanent Lock** — Tokens are sent to a designated burn address and permanently removed from normal circulation.

These mechanisms serve different purposes. A time-lock delays access to tokens, while a permanent lock is intended to remove the locked allocation from circulation indefinitely.

### Accessing Token Locking

To use the token-locking feature:

1. Open the relevant token page or navigate to the Token Locking section.
2. Select the token you want to lock.
3. Enter the amount of tokens to lock.
4. Choose the locking method.
5. Review the amount, duration, and applicable transaction details.
6. Confirm the transaction using your connected wallet.

You will need sufficient HYPE/zkLTC to pay the required Elysium and LitVM network gas fees.

The exact interface and transaction flow depend on the deployed Memeko implementation.

### Time-Lock

A time-lock restricts the transfer and sale of locked tokens until a specified unlock time.

Memeko's documented lock durations are:

| Duration | Description            |
| -------- | ---------------------- |
| 30 days  | Short-term commitment  |
| 90 days  | Three-month commitment |
| 180 days | Six-month commitment   |
| 1 year   | Long-term commitment   |

#### How Time-Locking Works

1. Select Time-Lock.
2. Choose an available duration.
3. Enter the amount of tokens to lock.
4. Review the unlock date and transaction details.
5. Confirm the transaction in your wallet.

Once the lock is successfully created, the tokens remain subject to the restrictions enforced by the locking contract until the unlock time.

#### After Unlocking

When the configured lock period expires, the tokens become transferable again according to the contract's rules.

Users should check the displayed unlock date and understand that an expired lock does not guarantee that the token will retain its market value.

### Permanent Lock

Permanent locking is intended for users who want to remove a token allocation from normal circulation indefinitely.

Under Memeko's documented design, permanently locked tokens are sent to a designated burn address.

#### How Permanent Locking Works

1. Select Permanent Lock.
2. Enter the amount of tokens you want to lock permanently.
3. Carefully review the amount and destination.
4. Confirm the transaction in your wallet.

**Important:** Permanent locking is irreversible under the documented burn-address model. Only proceed after verifying the token and amount.

### Public Locking Indicators

Memeko's documented design includes public locking information on token pages to help users understand how much of a token's supply has been locked.

#### Percentage Time-Locked

Shows the proportion of the relevant token supply that is subject to time-locks.

Users can review the associated unlock information to understand when those tokens may become transferable again.

#### Percentage Locked Forever

Shows the proportion of the relevant supply permanently removed from normal circulation through permanent locking.

These indicators help provide visibility into token-locking activity and supply commitments.

The displayed percentages depend on the deployed implementation and the supply calculation used by the platform.

### Why Token Locking Matters

Token locking can provide useful information when researching a project.

For example:

* A creator may time-lock part of their allocation to demonstrate a commitment not to sell during the lock period.
* A holder may voluntarily lock tokens to demonstrate a longer-term commitment.
* A permanent burn can reduce the number of tokens remaining in normal circulation.

However, a token lock is only one part of a project's overall risk profile. It does not independently verify the creator's identity, the project's claims, or the security of its smart contracts.

### Important Risks

Before locking tokens, consider the following:

* **Limited access:** Time-locked tokens cannot be transferred or sold while the lock remains active.
* **Irreversibility:** Permanently burned tokens cannot normally be recovered.
* **Price volatility:** Locking tokens does not protect them from market-price declines.
* **Contract risk:** The locking mechanism depends on the security and behavior of the deployed smart contracts.
* **Unlock events:** Tokens becoming transferable after a lock expires may affect market supply and selling pressure.

Always verify the token address, amount, lock duration, and transaction details before signing.

**Next:** Rewards & Claims — Learn how creators and qualifying holders can claim their accumulated rewards.