This application provides a QoS flow control method and an apparatus. An SMF network element receives first indication information sent by an access network apparatus, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met; and the SMF network element does not process the QoS flow if the SMF network element receives second indication information in a first preset time; or the SMF network element deletes or modifies the QoS flow if the SMF network element does not receive second indication information in a first preset time, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met.