How to Mark Gimkit as ‘Trusted’ in Google Workspace
Google’s 2023 privacy update for Workspace for Education can block Gimkit logins for students under 18 who use school-managed Google accounts. If your school relies on Google SSO, a Workspace admin must approve Gimkit as a trusted third-party application. Here’s the full process.
Who Needs to Mark Gimkit as Trusted in Google Workspace?
This requirement applies only when two conditions are met simultaneously. If either condition is absent, no admin action is needed.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Google SSO is active | Students log into Gimkit with school-issued Google accounts |
| Student age | Learners are designated as under 18 in Google Workspace |
Students who join live games or complete Gimkit assignments without an account are unaffected. The same goes for teachers and students at schools that don’t use Google SSO.
Why Does Google Workspace Require Trusted Status for Gimkit?
Google tightened controls over which third-party apps can access student data within its Education platform. Gimkit did not change any of its own policies. The restriction came entirely from Google’s side, limiting apps that interact with accounts belonging to minors.
Without admin approval, students matching both conditions above will see their Google login fail. The platform itself remains fully accessible through alternative login methods.
How to Mark Gimkit as Trusted in Google Workspace: Step-by-Step
Only the school or district’s Google Workspace administrator can complete this process. Share these instructions with your IT department directly.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sign in to the Google Workspace for Education admin panel |
| 2 | Go to Security |
| 3 | Select Access and Data Control |
| 4 | Open API Controls |
| 5 | Under App access control, select Manage third-party access |
| 6 | Click View list beneath the Accessed Apps area |
| 7 | Locate Gimkit from the displayed applications |
| 8 | Select Gimkit, then click Change access |
| 9 | Complete the prompts and assign Gimkit trusted status |
| 10 | Confirm by clicking Change access once more |
Admin Navigation Flow
After completing these steps, all students using Google SSO will regain access to Gimkit. If your school also experiences connection problems during gameplay, check our guide on troubleshooting Gimkit game servers.
What Happens If Gimkit Is Not Marked as Trusted?
Students under 18 will not be able to authenticate through school Google accounts. They can still access Gimkit by creating a password. Teachers and students should use the “forgot password” option to set up login credentials that bypass Google SSO entirely.
If you need to open a Gimkit account without Google, the email-and-password method works as a permanent alternative.
How to Verify Gimkit’s Trusted Status in Google Workspace
Your admin can confirm whether they’ve marked Gimkit as trusted by reviewing the third-party app list under API Controls. Gimkit cannot verify your district’s privacy configuration on its end. If students still face login issues after the change, contact your IT department directly.
Network-related problems such as Gimkit packet loss are separate from authentication issues and require different troubleshooting steps.
Gimkit Data Privacy and Compliance
Gimkit follows federal student privacy laws, including FERPA and COPPA. The platform also meets data protection standards in California, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and New York. Districts that require a signed Data Privacy Agreement can reach out to privacy@gimkit.com.
Quick Reference: Scenarios and Required Actions
| Scenario | Action Required |
|---|---|
| School uses Google SSO for students under 18 | Admin must mark Gimkit as trusted in Google Workspace |
| Students don’t have Google accounts | No changes needed |
| Students play without logging in | No changes needed |
| Admin won’t approve Gimkit | Use email and password login |
Accounts remain optional for students. Even without completing this process, your class can still use every game mode, from Gimkit Blastball to Gimkit 2D game modes, and teachers can still create a kit in Gimkit without restrictions.
FAQs
Can students use Gimkit without Google SSO?
Yes. Students can join live games and assignments without any account. For saved progress, they can create an email-and-password login through the “forgot password” option.
Did Gimkit change its login or privacy policies?
No. Gimkit did not alter any policies. The restriction originated from a Google Workspace for Education privacy update affecting third-party app access for users under 18.
Can a teacher mark Gimkit as trusted in Google Workspace?
No. Only the school or district’s Google Workspace administrator has the permissions to change third-party app trust settings. Teachers should forward this guide to their IT department.
How do I confirm Gimkit has trusted status?
Ask your Google Workspace admin to check the third-party app list under Security > API Controls. Gimkit cannot verify your district’s settings from its end.
Does this affect Gimkit Pro features?
The trust setting affects login only, not feature access. All Gimkit Pro features remain available regardless of how students authenticate.
