> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.flosum.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.flosum.com/devops/settings/pull-requests-settings/managing-pull-request-approval-rules.md).
# Managing Pull Request Approval Rules
{% hint style="warning" %}
#### Written for the Old UI
This article was written for the old UI. The instructions are still usable, but the screenshots are outdated. In some cases, items referenced in the instructions have moved or changed. If you cannot find an item, see the [Where Did It Go](/devops/new-ui-ux-transition/where-did-it-go.md) article.
{% endhint %}
##  Overview
This article explains how to manage your Pull Request Approval Rules. See each of the following sections to learn how to:
* [#disable-approval-rules](#disable-approval-rules "mention")
* [#edit-approval-rules](#edit-approval-rules "mention")
* [#delete-approval-rule](#delete-approval-rule "mention")
{% hint style="info" %}
#### Add Approval Rules
For detailed instructions on adding a Pull Request Approval Rule, see the following article.
* [Adding Pull Request Approval Rules](/devops/settings/pull-requests-settings/adding-pull-request-approval-rules.md)
{% endhint %}
## Managing Approval Rules
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Access Approval Rule
1. Click **Settings** from the left sidebar menu.
2. Click the **General** tab.
3. Click **Pull Requests**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Disable Approval Rules
Disabling the Pull Request Approval rules disables all rules, so Pull Requests no longer require approval before merging. This is useful when you need to merge a Pull Request but can’t wait for the required number of approvals. After you finish merging the Pull Request, re-enable the Approval Rules.
{% hint style="info" %}
Smart Merge is the recommended method for merging two branches when you want to bypass the formal Pull Request review process. See the following article to learn how to perform a Smart Merge.
* [Using Smart Merge](/devops/code/branch-actions/using-smart-merge.md)
{% endhint %}
1. Click the **Enable** toggle.
2. Click **Save** to disable the Approval Rules.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Edit Approval Rules
The **Branch Selection** and **Approval Count** of each rule can be edited.
{% hint style="info" %}
To edit a rule, follow the same steps as when adding a rule. For more detailed instructions, see the article below.
* [Adding Pull Request Approval Rules](/devops/settings/pull-requests-settings/adding-pull-request-approval-rules.md)
{% endhint %}
1. Edit a rule’s branch selection or approval count.
2. Once all edits are made, click **Save** to apply the rule changes.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Delete Approval Rule
An Approval Rule that is no longer needed can be deleted.
{% hint style="warning" %}
If you accidentally remove a rule, you can undo all unsaved changes to the Approval Rules by clicking **Back** before saving.
{% endhint %}
1. Click the **Trashcan** icon next to the Approval Rule to remove.
2. Remove as many rules as needed.
3. Click **Save** to apply the rule deletions.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
---
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