Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an authorization method and an apparatus applied to an electronic lock. The method performed at a server hosting an instant messaging application includes: receiving an authorization request sent by a first instant messaging client at a first terminal, and the authorization request being used for requesting to grant use permission on the electronic lock to a second account; querying for, according to the authorization request, key information bound to the second account; and sending the key information to the electronic lock, the electronic lock being configured to add the key information into a trusted key information store. Moreover, the instant messaging application at the server can also be involved to further enhancing the authenticity of a person who tries to unlock the electronic lock based on the location of a terminal used by the person for accessing the instant messaging application.