How to Add Human Approval to Any Zapier Zap
Zapier is powerful. A single Zap can create leads, update CRM records, send emails, and sync data across dozens of apps. But what happens when a Zap does something you didn't intend?
A misconfigured filter. A bad data mapping. A test that accidentally runs against production. Without a human verification step, the damage is done before anyone notices.
In this guide, I'll show you how to add a human approval step to any Zapier Zap using OKrunit. It takes about 2 minutes to set up.
Why you need an approval step
Consider these scenarios:
- Bulk operations: Your Zap archives inactive users. A filter bug causes it to archive active ones.
- Email sends: Your Zap sends a welcome email to new signups. A mapping error sends it to your entire contact list.
- Data deletion: Your Zap cleans up stale records. It matches more records than expected.
In each case, a 30-second human review would have caught the problem.
How it works
Add OKrunit to your Zap. Search for "OKrunit" in the Zapier app directory and add it as a step before your destructive action.
Configure the request. Map the action details (what's about to happen, affected records, etc.) to the OKrunit step. This context helps the approver make an informed decision.
Set up notifications. In your OKrunit dashboard, configure where approval requests should be sent: Slack, email, Discord, Microsoft Teams, or Telegram.
Approve or reject. When the Zap fires, it pauses at the OKrunit step. The designated approver gets a notification, reviews the details, and approves or rejects. The Zap continues or stops based on the decision.
Setting it up
Step 1: Create an OKrunit account
Sign up at okrunit.com. The free tier gives you 100 requests/month, which is plenty for getting started.
Step 2: Create a connection
In your OKrunit dashboard, go to Connections and create a new API connection. Name it something descriptive like "Zapier Production." You'll get an API key.
Step 3: Add OKrunit to your Zap
In the Zapier editor, add a new step and search for "OKrunit." Select the "Request Approval" action. Connect it with your API key.
Step 4: Map your fields
Fill in the request details:
- Title: A clear description of what's about to happen (e.g., "Delete 500 inactive accounts")
- Priority: How urgent is the approval (low, medium, high, critical)
- Action type: A machine-readable label (e.g., "account.delete")
- Metadata: Any additional context the approver needs
Step 5: Use the result
After the OKrunit step, add a Filter or Path step that checks the approval status. If approved, continue with the action. If rejected, stop or take an alternative path.
Advanced: Multi-step approvals
For high-risk actions, you can require multiple approvers. In your OKrunit dashboard, configure an approval flow that requires 2 of 3 team members to approve, or set up sequential approval (manager first, then CTO).
Get started
OKrunit's free tier includes 100 requests/month with 2 connections. No credit card required.
