How to verify liquidity is locked or burned

Why this matters

Unlocked, dev-held liquidity is the number-one rug enabler. Verifying LP status before buying is the single highest-leverage safety check you can run.

Step by step

1. Find the LP token / pool. Locate the token's main pool (usually on Raydium or Meteora) and its LP token on an explorer like Solscan.
2. Check for a burn. See whether the LP tokens were sent to a dead/burn address. A verified LP burn is permanent — liquidity can never be pulled. This is the strongest signal.
3. Check for a lock. If not burned, look for the LP held in a known locker contract. Confirm it is actually locked, not just sitting in the dev wallet.
4. Read the lock duration. A 24-hour lock is theater. Check the unlock date — meaningful protection requires a meaningful duration.
5. Read the locked amount. Confirm what fraction of LP is locked. A partial lock (e.g. 10%) leaves most liquidity pullable.
6. Re-check after graduation. If the coin recently graduated from a bonding curve, verify the LP status on the new pool specifically — the situation just changed.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trusting a "locked ✓" badge without on-chain verification.
• Ignoring a short lock duration.
• Missing that only a fraction of LP is locked.
• Confusing a supply burn with an LP burn.
• Not re-checking after a graduation.

Quick checklist

• ☐ Pool and LP token located
• ☐ Burn checked (strongest)
• ☐ Lock verified in a locker contract
• ☐ Unlock date read
• ☐ Locked amount confirmed
• ☐ Post-graduation pool re-checked