> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://helpdocs.getthread.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Approvals in Inbox: Request and Manage Decisions

> Request approvals in Inbox using the /approval command or Action button, route them to contacts via Teams, Messenger, or email, and track audit records.

### **Overview**

The **Approvals** feature in **Inbox** enables **Managed Service Providers (MSPs)** to request and manage approvals directly within conversations. This eliminates the need for pre-configured **Magic Agent intents**, ensuring faster decision-making without disrupting workflows.

Approvers can **approve or decline requests instantly** via **Thread, Microsoft Teams, Messenger, or email**. All approval records are centralized within **Inbox**, improving tracking, compliance, and auditability.

### Requesting approvals in Inbox

#### 1. How to manually request an approval

Technicians can request approvals in real-time using either of the following methods:

##### Using the `/approval` Command

<Steps>
  <Step title="Type /approval in the chat composer">
    Type `/approval` in the **chat composer**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the approval request">
    A **pop-up modal** will appear to configure the approval request.
  </Step>
</Steps>

##### Using the Action button in Inbox

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click the Action button">
    Click the **Action** button above the **chat composer**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Request Approval">
    Select **Request Approval** to open the approval request modal.
  </Step>
</Steps>

#### 2. Configuring approval requests

When the approval request modal opens, technicians can configure the request using these options:

##### Select approvers

* Select **Contact Types** (ConnectWise, AutoTask) or **specific contacts**.
* **Halo** partners can only select **individual contacts**.
* Optionally, filter contacts by **company affiliation** using the checkbox.

##### Preview the approval message

* A **standardized approval request message** is generated.
* Approvers' names are dynamically included for clarity and consistency.

##### Send the request

* Approvers are added to the conversation and notified via **Teams, Messenger, or email**.

### Functionality and workflow

#### 1. Pending approvals

* Approval requests remain **pending** until an **approver** responds.
* **No timeout** is applied; requests stay open until action is taken.
* If **Teams integration** is enabled, approvers are **added to the Teams chat**.
* In **Messenger**, approvers stay in the chat until they approve or decline.

#### 2. Approval tracking in Inbox

Technicians and admins can track approvals within Inbox:

* **Navigate to:** `Inbox → Apps → Approvals`
* Approvals are categorized as:
  * **Active**
  * **Closed**
* You can filter to view:
  * **Pending approvals**
  * **Approved requests**
  * **Declined requests**

#### 3. Email notifications for approvers

* Approvers receive an **email notification** with **Approve** and **Decline** buttons.
* Clicking either button redirects the approver to **Thread** to take action.

### Additional notes

* Approvals requested via Inbox are **independent of Magic Agent intents** and do not require AI automation.
* **ConnectWise & AutoTask partners** can use **Contact Types** and **User Defined Attributes (UDA)** for automated approver selection.
* **Halo partners** must select **direct contacts** as approvers.
* Every **approval action** is **logged in Thread and PSAs** for compliance and auditing.

This feature streamlines **approval workflows** while ensuring **quick responses** and **better tracking** within Thread Inbox.

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### How did we do?

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### Related Articles - [How to Set Up User-Defined Fields (UDFs) in Autotask for Approvals](/inbox/autotask-approval-configuration) - [Automate Approvals with Magic Agents](/ai-agents/approvals) - [Navigating a Thread](/inbox/3-the-thread-itself)


## Related topics

- [Automate Approvals with Magic Agents](/ai-agents/approvals.md)
- [Change Request Intake](/skill-library/change-and-problem-management/change-request-intake.md)
- [Group Membership Request](/skill-library/onboarding-and-access/group-membership-request.md)