# Approving Access with Backstage
Backstage enables you to reject or approve a request to access services, databases, and applications that are centrally managed through Apono.
***
### Reject a request
My Tasks page
Follow these steps to reject a request:
1. On the **My Tasks** page, click the **Pending Approval** tab. A list of requests requiring your review appears.
2. Click the row of the open request. The request details panel opens for you to review the details of the request.
3. Click **Reject**. The **Please provide a reason for rejection** popup window appears.
4. Enter a **Reason**. The rejection reason must be less than **124** characters.
{% hint style="info" %}
If the [**Require Approve Reason**](https://docs.apono.io/docs/access-flows/creating-access-flows-in-apono/self-serve-access-flows#enable-settings) setting has been enabled for the access flow, you will be required to enter a reason.
{% endhint %}
5. Click **Reject Request**. The requester will receive a notification in Backstage that includes the rejection reason.
***
### Approve a request
My Tasks page
Follow these steps to approve a request:
1. On the **My Tasks** page, click the **Pending Approval** tab. A list of requests requiring your review appears.
2. Click the row of the open request. The request details panel opens for you to review the details of the request.
3. Click **Approve**. The **Please provide a reason for approval** popup window appears.
4. Enter a **Reason**. The approval reason must be less than **124** characters.
{% hint style="info" %}
If the [**Require Approve Reason**](https://docs.apono.io/docs/access-flows/creating-access-flows-in-apono/self-serve-access-flows#enable-settings) setting has been enabled for the access flow, you will be required to enter a reason.
{% endhint %}
5. Click **Approve Request**. The requester will receive a notification in Backstage.
{% hint style="warning" %}
Requests pending approval for over 7 days become Failed automatically.
{% endhint %}
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```
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```
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The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
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