Block Google Chat in Gmail

This article is written for Google Workspace for Education Administrators.

Introduction

This article will give you the insights on how you can block Google Chat option in Gmail. As a Google Workspace for Education Administrator, one of your priorities is creating a focused, distraction-free environment for students. One such distraction is the Google Chat widget embedded in Gmail's left navigation bar, which allows students to chat freely and lose focus during school hours. If your school wants to restrict or remove this feature, here are three practical methods to achieve that.

Three Methods block Google Chat

Method 1: Disable Google Chat Service

The most direct approach is to disable the Google Chat service entirely for students. When the service is turned off via the Google Admin Console, students won’t be able to access Google Chat, whether in Gmail or through the standalone Chat app. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Sign into Google Admin Console.
2. Navigate to Apps > Google Workspace > Google Chat > Service Status.
3. Select the Students’ Organizational Unit (OU) from the list.
4. Choose OFF for everyone to disable Chat for this group.

Google Chat Setting

Once this is done, students will no longer see or use any Google Chat features in Gmail, but the change will not affect other groups, such as staff OUs.

Method 2: URL Blocking for Google Chat

For schools managing Chromebooks, URL blocking is another effective method. Google provides a way to block access to Google Chat on Chrome browsers by blacklisting specific URLs. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Sign into Admin Console.
2. Go to Devices > Chrome management > User & browser settings.
3. Select your Students' OU.
4. Under URL Blocking, enter:
   https://chat.google.com
5. Under URL Blacklist Exceptions, add:
   https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/meet for allowing video calls via Google Meet.

This method works well on Chromebooks but has limitations—it only applies to school-managed Chromebooks and won’t block Google Chat on other devices.

Method 3: Remove Chat in Gmail with Safe Doc Extension

If you prefer a more targeted approach, the xFanatical Safe Doc Chrome extension provides a way to hide Google Chat within Gmail itself. This method is useful if you still want students to access other Google services while eliminating the chat widget from their Gmail view.

Safe Doc removes the Chat & Spaces sections from Gmail’s navigation, leaving students with a clean interface, free from distractions. Here’s a brief overview of the changes:

• Chat and Spaces links are removed from Gmail.
• The standalone Google Chat app remains accessible.

If you’re interested in this solution, you can apply for a 30-day trial of the Safe Doc extension to test its effectiveness in your school environment.

What is a xFanatical Safe Doc?

xFanatical Safe Doc is a comprehensive solution for maintaining a focused and secure online environment for Google Workspace admins and users. It provides robust tools to manage and restrict access to various online content, ensuring a safe and productive digital environment. xFanatical Safe Doc integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, offering administrators the ability to customize content filtering policies according to their needs.

Video Demo

Why block Google Chat in Gmail ?

Blocking Google Chat in Gmail helps maintain a focused learning environment. While Google Chat is a useful collaboration tool, it can be a source of distraction for students during school hours. 

Let’s understand the scenario through a user story:

• A middle school uses Gmail as a tool for teachers to send assignments and communicate with students.
• A teacher assigns an important research project during study hall, expecting students to work on it independently.
• Instead of focusing on the assignment, several students begin using the Google Chat widget in Gmail to chat with friends.
• Students exchange memes, discuss weekend plans, and get distracted from the task at hand.
• The teacher attempts to keep students on task, but the persistent notifications from Google Chat continue to draw their attention away.
• As a result, students' productivity drops, and they fail to complete the assignment on time.

By blocking Google Chat in Gmail helps create a more structured and distraction-free digital environment for students.

Remove Google Chat option from Gmail with xFanatical Safe Doc

xFanatical Safe Doc extension allows schools to remove the Google Chat option from Gmail, helping to create a more focused digital environment for students.   

Remove Google Chat option from Gmail using Safe Doc

How to block Google Chat in Gmail using xFanatical Safe Doc

Step 1: Install Safe Doc: 

The initial step is to install Safe Doc in your Google Workspace environment. Safe Doc is a browser extension that seamlessly integrates with Google workspace, providing enhanced control and security features.

Step 2: Configure Safe Doc settings: 

Once Safe Doc is installed, you can configure its settings to block Google Chat in Gmail.

Step 3: Access Google Admin Console: 

Now, navigate to the Google Admin Console. In the Google Admin Console, click on Devices followed by Chrome. Then, select Apps & Extensions and click on Users & Browsers.

Step 4: Copy the Policy: 

Find the policy that you wish to apply and copy it. The policy will show up in a specific format similar to the example provided below:

"BlockGmailChat": {

  "Value": true

}

Step 5: Save the Policy: 

After applying the policy, click the Save button to apply it.

How to configure Safe Doc?

First of all, ensure the deployment of Safe Doc on your students' Chrome browsers, and review the xFanatical Safe Doc Configuration document.

Conclusion

In conclusion, removing the chat option from Gmail helps minimizing distractions and keeping students focused on the lesson. By using xFanatical Safe Doc, administrators can impose restrictions to find the right balance between control and accessibility, ensuring that the learning environment effectively meets both instructional goals and students' needs.

To learn more about how xFanatical Safe Doc can help enhance online safety in your educational institution, visit our website  Safe Doc

If you haven’t installed Safe Doc yet, please get a 30 days trial to explore more features.

"BlockGmailChat": {
  "Value": true
}

To restore the Chat feature, remove this policy or set it to false.