What should I do if the T+N (T+3/T+7/T+15) security protection is triggered and I can't trade?
If you recently bought crypto through P2P and an amount equal to that order is temporarily unavailable for withdrawal, P2P selling, or DEX trading, the order has likely triggered T+N security protection. Always follow the message shown on the order page.
What is T+N (Security protection for buying crypto via P2P)?
T+N refers to a security protection mechanism for cryptocurrency purchases. When you buy crypto through P2P on the platform, the system performs a comprehensive risk assessment of the transaction. Based on this assessment, it may temporarily restrict the withdrawal, P2P resale and DEX trading will be unavailable for the affected assets. The N in T+N is the number of days the restriction lasts (including weekends and public holidays):
T+3 - restriction lasts 3 days
T+7 - restriction lasts 7 days
T+15 - restriction lasts 15 days
This restriction applies only to the affected assets and doesn't impact your ability to use other platform features, including trading and financial services. Any funds exceeding the order amount can also be withdrawn, sold via P2P and DEX trading without restriction.
Note: The N-day period is based on calendar days, including weekends and public holidays.
Why does OKX apply T+N (T+3/T+7/T+15) security protection for buying crypto?
The T+N mechanism is designed to prevent losses caused by the inflow of high-risk funds, protecting both buyers and sellers.
In certain cases, restrictions lasting 24 hours or longer may be applied based on advanced risk control settings.
These restrictions help:
Discourage suspicious funds from entering the platform;
Lower the risk of bank accounts being frozen; and
Enhance overall user asset safety.
T+N quick summary
Trigger: a P2P purchase is assessed by the real-time risk-control system. You may follow the message shown before you place the order.
Scope: only the affected order amount is restricted from withdrawals, P2P selling, and DEX trading. Funds above the order amount and other account features are generally unaffected.
Duration: T+3, T+7, or T+15. N is counted in calendar days, including weekends and public holidays.
Release: the Order details page shows the exact unlock time. The system releases the restriction automatically when that time is reached.
Early release: you may submit one appeal through the page entry point, but approval isn’t guaranteed. The appeal result is final.
FAQs
How can I tell if my order is subject to T+N protection?
You will see three reminders throughout the order process:
When placing the order;
When the order is created and awaiting payment; and
When waiting for the seller to confirm the transaction.
If you decide not to proceed with the order, you may go back and rematch again. However, once you place the order, but you decide to cancel it, may trigger a “frequent canceller” penalties based on your trading behavior. If you continue with the order, the system will limit withdrawals, crypto resales and DEX trading for 3, 7, 15 days (check the on-screen message for details).
Note: if you don't see any T+N-related prompts, you can sell or withdraw the crypto immediately and DEX trading after the transaction is complete.
Why are my crypto assets frozen or locked after I buy them?
If your crypto assets are temporarily unavailable for withdrawal, P2P selling, or DEX trading shortly after you purchase them, they may be subject to OKX's T+N security protection.
T+N security protection is a temporary restriction applied automatically by OKX's risk control system when a transaction is identified as potentially high risk. Depending on the risk level, the restriction may remain in effect for 3, 7, 15 days.
What should I do if I trigger T+N protection?
If your order triggers T+N protection, we recommend that you wait patiently. The restriction will be automatically lifted after N days.
For orders under T+3, T+7 or T+15, you may also file an appeal via Assets > Locked Assets > P2P Order > Appeal.
Appeal documents for T+N
If your P2P order triggers T+N, please submit the following documents to raise a dispute:
Proof of payment and transaction statements for the payment method used in the past month (PDF or screenshot)
If payment was made via WeChat or Alipay balance, please upload a PDF bill showing the payment time and payment method
If payment was made via a linked bank card, please provide the corresponding bank statement.
How do I appeal a T+N restriction?
On the App:
1. Tap Assets > find the locked assets in the middle of the page and tap View details
2. Tap Orders > View details
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your appeal. Please refer to the appeal result as the final outcome.
Important note:
Upload failure: please make sure the file is in PDF format.
Each order can only be appealed once and approval is not guaranteed — please ensure your documents are accurate and complete. (Appeal response time is 3 calendar days).
An example is provided on the appeal page — please read it carefully.
How can I avoid triggering T+N security protection?
T+N is applied in real time by the platform’s risk control system, and it cannot be predicted in advance. Please refer to the order prompt for the most accurate information.
If your order is restricted, don’t worry—T+N only affects that specific transaction, and will not impact your other trading activities or account functions.
How do I check when my crypto will be unlocked?
Before completing the transaction | After the transaction is completed |
You can view the potential lock period on the order confirmation pop-up and on the payment pending page. | You can find the unlock time on the Order Details page. |
In all cases, the system will automatically release the restriction once the timer expires. We recommend waiting patiently until the unlocking time.
If buying or selling crypto triggers the platform's risk control, please refer to this article here for additional information.
Do VIP users have T+N restrictions?
Yes. T+N protection applies to all users, including VIP users. Whenever you purchase crypto via P2P, our risk control system will assess the transaction and apply restrictions if the conditions are met.
Why do I have T+N when others don't?
The T+N policy applies to all users, but it isn't necessarily triggered for every transaction. Please refer to the order page to check whether T+N has been applied to your order.
Does T+N mean my entire account is frozen?
No. T+N restricts only the amount equivalent to the affected P2P order from withdrawals, P2P selling, and DEX trading. Funds above the order amount and other account features are generally unaffected.
Why did my order trigger T+N when someone else’s order didn’t?
T+N applies to all users, but each transaction is assessed in real time and not every order triggers it. Follow the messages shown during checkout and on the Order details page.
When does the lock period start?
Use the exact unlock time shown on the Order details page. N is counted in calendar days, including weekends and public holidays; don’t calculate it only from your payment time.
Do I need to apply for release when the unlock time arrives?
No. The system automatically releases the restriction at the unlock time shown on the Order details page. If the assets remain locked after the specified time, refresh the page to check for updates.