What is Dependabot auto-merge and how do you configure it?

Auto-merge lets Dependabot pull requests merge automatically once they satisfy defined conditions (typically: all required status checks pass), without a human needing to manually click "merge" for every routine, low-risk update — commonly implemented via a GitHub Actions workflow that listens for Dependabot PRs and merges them if specific criteria (like "patch-level update only") are met.

#  .github/workflows/dependabot-auto-merge.yml
on: pull_request
permissions:
  pull-requests: write
  contents: write
jobs:
  auto-merge:
    if: github.actor == 'dependabot[bot]'
    steps:
      - uses: dependabot/fetch-metadata@v1
        id: metadata
      - if: steps.metadata.outputs.update-type == 'version-update:semver-patch'
        run: gh pr merge --auto --merge "$PR_URL"

This is most safely applied to low-risk update categories (patch versions, dev dependencies) where the likelihood of a breaking change is low and CI passing is a reasonably strong signal of safety, rather than blanket auto-merging every Dependabot PR regardless of how significant the version bump actually is.

Invest now in Acorns!!! 🚀
Join Acorns and get your $5 bonus!

Acorns is a micro-investing app that automatically invests your "spare change" from daily purchases into diversified, expert-built portfolios of ETFs. It is designed for beginners, allowing you to start investing with as little as $5. The service automates saving and investing. Disclosure: I may receive a referral bonus.

Invest now!!! Get Free equity stock (US, UK only)!

Use Robinhood app to invest in stocks. It is safe and secure. Use the Referral link to claim your free stock when you sign up!.

The Robinhood app makes it easy to trade stocks, crypto and more.

Webull! Receive free stock by signing up using the link: Webull signup.