Approvals in Microsoft Teams lets you easily create, manage, and share approvals directly from your hub for teamwork. You can quickly start an approval flow from the same place you send a chat, in a channel conversation, or from the Approvals app itself. Just select an approval type, add details, attach files, and choose approvers. Once submitted, approvers are notified and can review and act on the request.

Create an Approval Request

1. Launch your Microsoft Teams application and then Go to […] More Options to find the Approvals app. 

2. This is your Approvals app interface. You are able to view your previously received and sent requests here.

3. To make a new approvals request, click on [New approval request] on the top right of your screen. 

4. First, fill in the name of the request. It is best to keep it short and to the point so your approvers will know what this request is  about right away. Then, assign approvers to your approval request. You may assign more than 1 approvers.

Insert any necessary note or details to your request here, so your approvers will understand more about your request. 

5. If you have any documents supplemental to your request, click on add attachment and upload your document from your computer. 

6. As the default response to your approval requests are “Approved” and “Rejected”, you are able to customize the responses by turning on the custom responses toggle. Then, insert your desired responses. Once you are done, click [Send] to confirm.

7. After you have submitted your new request, it will be shown under the “Sent” section and the status is marked as “Requested”. 

Manage Approval Request from your Teammates 

1. When your teammate assigns you as an approver on their new approvals request, you will receive a new notification shown on “Activities”.

2. You may take action to this approval request here directly, or go back to the Approvals app.

3. Same as before, click on approvals on the left navigation bar and this will take you back to the approvals app.

4. On your Approvals app, go to “Received” and find any outstanding requests. The status of the requests should be marked as “Requested”. 

5. Click on the approval request to review all details. You may view the attached document which opens up a web browser for you to view or edit the document when needed. You can also insert comments regarding to the request. Customized responses will be shown here, and you may then click on your choice to confirm.

6. As you can see, the request has been marked from requested to “good to go”.  You may click on the request to view its details for future reference.

Utilizing Approvals app on Microsoft Teams Channels and Chats 

1. Besides managing approvals within the app, you are also able to utilize the approvals app within your Microsoft teams channels. After going to the channel, click on [New Conversation] and find the [Approvals] button. 

2. Same as before, you can name your request, assign approvers, and etc.

However, please be reminded that only users from your Teams channel can be assigned as approvers. You are also able to do the same to your 1-1 or group chat conversations.