What To Do When Microsoft Says "Approval Required"

Why You're Seeing This

Many organizations turn off the ability for employees to approve third-party apps on their own. When that's the case, any app that asks for calendar access gets routed to an admin instead. Microsoft shows the "Approval required" prompt, and Don't Double Book Me can't connect your calendar until someone in IT says yes.

Don't Double Book Me only asks for access to your own calendar and mailbox time zone. It never gets access to anyone else's mailbox, and it doesn't store your event details. That usually makes the approval a quick one.

Option 1: Request Approval from the Prompt

If the prompt has a box that says Enter justification for requesting this app, your organization accepts approval requests right from the screen.

1. Type a short reason, for example "Keeps my work and personal calendars in sync so I don't get double booked."

2. Select Request approval.

   Your admins get an email with your request, and Microsoft emails you when they act on it.

3. Once approved, come back to Don't Double Book Me and connect your Microsoft account again.

If the only option is Return to the application without granting consent, your organization hasn't turned on requests. Use the next option instead.

Option 2: Ask Your IT Admin Directly

Send this to your IT or help desk. It links to a guide written for Entra admins that lists every permission and the exact clicks to approve the app.

Hi,

I'd like to use Don't Double Book Me (https://dontdoublebookme.com) to keep my work Outlook calendar in sync with my other calendars so I don't get double booked. When I try to connect my work account, Microsoft says the app needs admin approval.

Could you review and approve it? There's a step-by-step guide for Entra admins here:
https://dontdoublebookme.com/guides/microsoft-entra-admin-approval

The app only requests delegated permissions for my own calendar (Calendars.ReadWrite, MailboxSettings.Read, User.Read, and the standard sign-in scopes). It doesn't store event details on its servers.

Thanks!

While You Wait

• Connect your other calendars now. Google Calendar and personal Outlook accounts aren't affected by your organization's policy. Set those up today and add the work calendar once it's approved.
• Have an admin account? The prompt includes a Sign in with that account link. An admin who signs in there can approve the app for the whole organization on the spot.
• Worried about your free trial? If approval takes longer than your trial, let us know.

Once You're Approved

1. Go to your calendars in Don't Double Book Me and select Add Microsoft Outlook account.

   New here? Sign up with Microsoft instead.

2. Sign in with your work account. You may see a normal permissions screen this time. Select Accept.

3. Pick the calendars you want to keep in sync and you're done. 🎉

Still seeing the approval prompt after IT says it's approved? Sign out of Microsoft in your browser, try again in a private window, or report the problem and we'll help.