diff --git a/packages/backend/src/core/SignupService.ts b/packages/backend/src/core/SignupService.ts
index 78b97401fd..1b0b1e5bbd 100644
--- a/packages/backend/src/core/SignupService.ts
+++ b/packages/backend/src/core/SignupService.ts
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ export class SignupService {
 				host: this.utilityService.toPunyNullable(host),
 				token: secret,
 				isRoot: isTheFirstUser,
-				approved: opts.approved ?? !this.meta.approvalRequiredForSignup,
+				approved: isTheFirstUser || (opts.approved ?? !this.meta.approvalRequiredForSignup),
 				signupReason: reason,
 			}));