This application provides a method for enabling an intent and an apparatus. The method includes: A first network element obtains first information, where the first information indicates at least one intent, and the at least one intent is all intents that conflict with a first intent. When the first network element determines that a status of the at least one intent changes, the first network element initiates a procedure of enabling the first intent. According to the solution of this application, when the first intent is in a conflict state, the first network element may initiate the procedure of enabling the first intent after determining that statuses of all the intents that conflict with the first intent change. The solution in this application can be used to re-initiate, in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner, the procedure of enabling the first intent.