# Approve

Source: https://docs.settlemint.com/docs/user-guides/system-addons/xvp-settlement/actions/approve
Learn how to approve your flows in an XvP settlement. Approving locks your assets
into the settlement contract as escrow until execution or cancellation.




When you're a sender in an XvP settlement, you must approve to lock your assets into the settlement contract. This step is required before the settlement can execute.

## What approval means [#what-approval-means]

When you approve a settlement:

1. Your tokens are transferred from your wallet to the XvP contract
2. The assets are held in escrow until the settlement executes or is cancelled
3. Your approval is recorded on-chain
4. The settlement progresses toward execution

<Callout type="info" title="Only senders approve">
  You only need to approve if you are sending assets in the settlement. Recipients do not need to take any action.
</Callout>

## Prerequisites [#prerequisites]

* You are listed as a sender in one or more local flows
* Your wallet holds sufficient assets for the flows you're sending

## Steps [#steps]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    ### Find the settlement [#find-the-settlement]

    Navigate to **Settlements** in the sidebar. Pending settlements where you need to approve are marked with an action indicator.

    Click on the settlement to open its detail page.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Review the flows [#review-the-flows]

    Before approving, carefully review:

    * All flows in the settlement (who sends what to whom)
    * Your specific flows (what you're sending and to whom)
    * The cutoff date
    * For HTLC settlements: the hashlock and timelock
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Approve your flows [#approve-your-flows]

    Click **Approve** on the settlement detail page.

    A confirmation dialog shows:

    * The tokens being locked
    * The amounts being transferred to escrow
    * The recipient addresses

    Review and click **Confirm**, then authenticate with your PIN or OTP.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Verify approval status [#verify-approval-status]

    After the transaction confirms:

    * Your approval status changes to "Approved"
    * The settlement shows updated approval count (e.g., "2 of 3 approved")
    * If you were the final sender to approve, the settlement may execute (if auto-execute is enabled)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What happens after approval [#what-happens-after-approval]

| Settlement type              | What happens when all approve                            |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Local (auto-execute on)**  | Settlement executes immediately                          |
| **Local (auto-execute off)** | Settlement enters Ready state, awaiting manual execution |
| **HTLC**                     | Settlement enters Armed state, awaiting secret reveal    |

## Revoking approval [#revoking-approval]

Revocation rules differ by settlement type:

**Local settlements:**

* You can revoke your approval at any time before execution
* Revocation is allowed even after the settlement becomes Ready (fully approved)

**HTLC settlements:**

* You can revoke only before the settlement becomes Armed (before all approvals are received)
* Once Armed (fully approved), revocation is not allowed

See [Revoke approval](/docs/user-guides/system-addons/xvp-settlement/actions/revoke-approval) for detailed steps.

## Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

| Issue                   | Solution                                            |
| ----------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| Approve button disabled | You may not be a sender in any local flows          |
| Insufficient balance    | Ensure your wallet has enough assets for your flows |
| Transaction reverts     | Check compliance requirements on the token          |

## Next steps [#next-steps]

<Cards>
  <Card title="Revoke approval" href="/docs/user-guides/system-addons/xvp-settlement/actions/revoke-approval">
    How to revoke your approval before settlement is armed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Execute settlement" href="/docs/user-guides/system-addons/xvp-settlement/actions/execute">
    How to manually trigger execution when auto-execute is off.
  </Card>
</Cards>