AI can draft, but a person should often decide. A human-in-the-loop step prevents costly mistakes.
When to require approval
Sending messages to customers, changing records, spending money or anything hard to undo.
Basic pattern
- The agent or AI step prepares a draft or action.
- n8n sends it to a person by email, Telegram or chat with approve and reject options.
- The workflow waits for the answer.
- If approved, it performs the action; if rejected, it stops or asks for changes.
Use the Wait node
A Wait node can pause a workflow until a response arrives or a time passes. Decide what happens if no one replies.
Keep a record
Log who approved what and when.
Do not overuse
Approval on every trivial step makes automation pointless. Approve the risky ones.
Related
AI agents in n8n and error handling.
Quick answers
When is approval needed?
For messages to customers, data changes and spending.
How does the workflow wait?
A Wait node can pause until a response or a time limit.
What if nobody responds?
Decide in advance: cancel, remind or escalate.
Related reading
- What Is an AI Agent in n8n and How Is It Different from a Workflow?
- How to Build Your First AI Agent in n8n, Step by Step
- n8n AI Agent Memory Explained: How an Agent Remembers a Conversation
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