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How to Freeze Holders of Your Sui Token

How to Freeze Holders of Your Sui Token

June 26, 2025

5 min read

Blue and white graphic with a gear wheel, the words “Freeze Holders” and a gradient background.

Managing token security is crucial for project success, especially when dealing with compliance requirements or security threats. Sui's unique architecture allows token creators to temporarily freeze specific wallet addresses for freezable Sui tokens, preventing them from sending or receiving tokens while maintaining full transparency. This comprehensive guide explains how to effectively use freezing capabilities to protect your token ecosystem using 20lab's specialized token tools.

Understanding Address Freezing on Sui: A Powerful Security Feature

Address freezing on Sui is a temporary security measure that allows token creators to restrict token transfers for specific wallet addresses. Unlike permanent actions like burning tokens, freezing is completely reversible and serves as a protective mechanism for various scenarios.

When an address is frozen, Sui implements a two-phase restriction system:

  • The wallet immediately cannot send the specific token to any other address
  • The wallet cannot receive the specific token starting from the next epoch on Sui blockchain
  • Transfer attempts will fail with error messages
  • The freeze affects only the specific token, not other assets in the wallet
  • Tokens remain visible in wallet balances but cannot be moved once fully restricted

This targeted approach ensures that security measures don't interfere with other legitimate activities while providing robust protection when needed.

Sui's Technical Implementation: Deny List and Deny Cap System

Sui's freezing mechanism operates through a sophisticated two-component system that provides both security and transparency:

  • Deny List Connection: When freezing is enabled for a token, Sui creates a deny list connection that serves as the storage mechanism for all frozen addresses. This on-chain structure maintains a permanent record of restricted addresses and their status.
  • Deny Cap Authority: The Deny Cap (or enhanced Deny Cap V2) functions as the administrative authority that can add or remove addresses from the deny list. This separation of storage and authority provides clear governance while maintaining security.
  • Epoch-Based Timing: Sui's unique consensus mechanism means that while sending restrictions take effect immediately when an address is frozen, receiving restrictions are implemented at the start of the next epoch. This timing respects Sui's consensus architecture while ensuring comprehensive protection.
  • Enhanced Security with Deny Cap V2: When you create Sui token on 20lab, they already use the advanced Deny Cap V2 system, which provides improved freezing capabilities and better integration with modern Sui features.
  • Comprehensive Authority Control: The deny cap holder has complete authority over the deny list, including:
    • Adding addresses to restrict token interactions
    • Removing addresses to restore normal functionality
    • Transferring deny cap authority to other wallets or governance systems
  • Permanent Opt-Out: If the deny cap is revoked (permanently removed), no addresses can ever be frozen, providing certainty to token holders when projects want to permanently disable this feature.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Freeze Sui Token Holders with 20lab

20lab's Sui freeze address tool streamlines the process while ensuring proper authorization and execution. Here's how to use it effectively:

Step 1: Verify Your Authority

Before starting, ensure you have the necessary permissions:

  • Connect the wallet that holds the Deny Cap or Deny Cap V2 (only one of them can exist per token in the same time)
  • Confirm you have authorization to freeze addresses for your token
  • The tool will automatically verify your deny cap before allowing any operations

Step 2: Access the Freeze Tool

Navigate to 20lab's Sui freeze address tool and connect your authorized wallet. Choose whether to use Sui Mainnet or Testnet.

Step 3: Enter Token Information

Input your token's address (also known as coin type on Sui). The tool will automatically detect the token and confirm your authority to freeze addresses for this specific token.

Token address added in freeze tool interface

Step 4: Specify Target Addresses

Choose your freezing method based on your needs:

Single Address Freezing:

  • Enter the specific wallet address you want to freeze
  • Double-check the address for accuracy
  • Review the action before proceeding

Batch Freezing (Multiple Addresses):

  • Prepare and upload a CSV/TXT file containing the list of addresses to freeze or just paste all into the input field
  • Review the complete list of addresses before confirming
  • For large operations, the tool will process addresses in batches to comply with Sui's transaction limits

Addresses to freeze added

Step 5: Review and Confirm

Carefully verify all details including:

  • Token address
  • Target wallet address(es) to be frozen
  • Action chosen: freezing or unfreezing
  • Estimated transaction fees

Freeze address tool confirmation modal window

Step 6: Execute the Freeze Operation

Once you've confirmed all details, submit the transaction. The freeze will take effect in two phases:

  • Immediate: The address can no longer send the specified token
  • Next Epoch: The address will also be prevented from receiving the token

Progress window after transaction has been confirmed

Step 7: Monitor and Document

After freezing:

  • Document the reason for freezing for your records
  • Monitor the frozen addresses as needed
  • Prepare communication for affected users if appropriate
  • Keep track of addresses that may need unfreezing later

Why 20lab's Sui Freeze Tool Stands Out

20lab's Sui freeze address tool offers several key advantages that make it the preferred choice for professional token management:

  • Authority Verification: Built-in checks ensure only authorized deny cap holders can perform freeze operations, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining security integrity.
  • Batch Processing Support: Unlike basic tools that only handle single addresses, 20lab supports efficient batch freezing through CSV/TXT uploads, making it practical for large-scale operations. The tool automatically skips addresses that are already frozen or unfrozen, preventing redundant transactions and saving gas fees.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design makes complex blockchain operations accessible to both technical and non-technical team members, reducing the learning curve for token management.
  • Enhanced Security Features: Advanced safety checks prevent common mistakes like freezing wrong addresses or attempting operations without proper authority.
  • Unfreeze Capability: The same tool provides easy unfreezing functionality, allowing teams to lift restrictions when circumstances change or issues are resolved.

Conclusion: Professional Token Security Management

Address freezing represents a critical security tool for professional Sui token projects. When used responsibly with clear policies and transparent communication, it provides effective protection against security threats while maintaining community trust. The key to successful implementation lies in using proper token tools like 20lab's freeze address utility, which ensures authorized access, efficient operations, and clear documentation.

Whether you're managing compliance requirements, responding to security incidents, or implementing governance decisions, having the ability to temporarily freeze addresses provides important flexibility while maintaining the reversible nature that respects token holder rights.

For questions about Sui token management and best practices, connect with our team on Telegram for expert guidance and support.

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