INWARDLY rectifying potassium channels conduct ions more readily in the inward than the outward direction, an essential property for normal electrical activity^1,2. Although voltage-dependent block by internal magnesium ions may underlie inward rectification in some channels^3–5, an intrinsic voltage-dependent closure of the channel plays a contributory, or even exclusive, role in others^4,6–9. Here we report that, rather than being intrinsic to the channel protein, so-called intrinsic rectification of strong inward rectifiers requires soluble factors that are not Mg²⁺ and can be released from Xenopus oocytes and other cells. Biochemical and biophysical characterization identifies these factors as polyamines (spermine, spermidine, putrescine and cadaverine). The results suggest that intrinsic rectification results from voltage-dependent block of the channel pore by polyamines, not from a voltage sensor intrinsic to the channel protein¹⁰.