how do I configure my hosting such that I approve each request, but after my approval -

[Nir4]

guest is not required to approve also.

That is, my "pre-approval" should be the final approval.

thanks!

[Andrea9]

Not sure exactly what you're asking, unless you are not familiar with the difference between inquiry and request.

Booking inquiry:

A guest is shopping around and sending inquiries or simply wants more info before committing to a Booking Request.

If you are OK with hosting this guest, you pre-approve = meaning you give your advance approval, so when guest accepts it automatically becomes a committed booking.

Booking request:

A guest wants to book and simply needs your acceptance so that it becomes a committed booking.

[Nir4]

oh, so this comes from the guest's behavior (booking or inquery) and not the host's configuration.

thanks.

[Andrea9]

Yep.

Here's more helpful stuff. Check under "Reservation...Inquiry or Request - What's the difference"

Instant Book is a bit of a different animal and yet the same. Why don't you also use the search box on this community for a wealth of info on the subject. There are so many posts answered for free by hosts like me, and often we keep repeating again and again, so that's the reason a search gives  amazing results.