Automatically approve returns instead of reviewing them manually.
Where to find it
Settings > Returns > Automation, under Returns Automations.
[Screenshot: Automation tab — Automatically approve returns toggle with Exceptions panel]
What this is
By default, every submission lands in the Manual Review queue and waits for someone to approve or decline it. With auto-approve on, returns are approved the moment they're submitted — and if you use automatic labels, the label is generated and emailed right away.
What the customer sees
Instead of a "we'll review your request" message, the customer gets their approval and return label immediately after submitting.
Common exceptions
Auto-approve is often paired with Exceptions so that routine returns skip review while specific categories stay in the queue:
Auto-approve orders below a value threshold, review anything larger
Auto-approve items tagged
easy-return, hold the restAuto-approve customers with a high Customer Score, review low scores
Always review international returns
Always review returns where the reason is damage and a photo was uploaded
Caveats
If fraud risk is detected on a return, auto-approval is skipped regardless of this setting. The return goes to manual review with a notice explaining why.
Related settings
Automatically process return trigger — approval and payout are separate steps
Return eligibility — filters what can be submitted in the first place
BCC Email Address — stay notified of volume once returns skip review