Approve Group Email Moderation from Firefox from a Mobile Device

Issues

  • I can't find the Approve or Reject buttons when moderating group emails on my phone.
  • How do I approve a distribution group message from my mobile device?
  • The moderation buttons are missing in Outlook on my iPhone or Android.
  • What browser should I use to moderate group emails on mobile?
  • Is there a way to approve group messages without using a computer?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin faculty and staff who are moderators of a Microsoft 365 Distribution Group and need to approve or reject pending messages from a mobile device.

  • Devices: iPhone or Android phone or tablet
  • Limitation: The Outlook mobile app and most mobile browsers do not display the Approve and Reject moderation buttons. The only supported workaround is to use Firefox in desktop mode.

Resolution

Firefox is required. Safari, Chrome, and the Outlook mobile app do not display the moderation buttons on mobile devices. You must use the Firefox browser app with the desktop site requested, as described below.
  1. If you do not already have Firefox installed, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  2. Open Firefox on your mobile device.
  3. Navigate to outlook.office.com and sign in with your Bowdoin email address.
  4. Open the moderation notification email in your inbox — this is the message from Microsoft asking you to approve or reject a pending group message.
  5. If the mobile version loads and the Approve and Reject buttons are not visible, tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) at the bottom of the Firefox screen.

Firefox browser menu on mobile showing the Request Desktop Site option highlighted in red.

  1. From the menu, tap Request Desktop Site. The page will reload in desktop mode.
  2. The Approve and Reject buttons should now be visible in the moderation email. Tap the appropriate option.

Moderation email in desktop mode showing the Approve and Reject buttons highlighted in red.

Tip: If you regularly moderate group email from your phone, you can set Firefox to always request the desktop site for outlook.office.com by going to Firefox Settings > Site settings, finding Outlook, and enabling Request Desktop Site permanently.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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