Introduction

In this article, you will learn how to hide Google Group from Global Address List. Managing Google Groups within an organization can sometimes require specific configurations to enhance privacy and streamline communication. One such need is hiding Google Groups from the Global Address List (GAL). 

What is the Global Address list

A Global Address List is a shared address book that is available on a digital medium or services that are used on Google Workspace and the online Microsoft Office Suite. These apps usually contain the contact details of all the people in a specific organization. This address book can be accessed over a computer network electronically by using LDAP protocol or CardDAV protocol. The Global Address List is usually a read-only feature for all the users except the administrators, who can add details or update the items if they want to.

Why Hide Google Groups from the Global Address List

Organizations often have internal groups that are not meant for broad visibility. These might include project-specific groups, management committees, or confidential teams. By hiding these groups from the GAL, you can maintain a cleaner, more secure directory that only displays relevant contacts to the broader organization.

Note: The hiding group does not hide the members' emails from Gmail recipient autocomplete.

Why is this Problem Caused

One missing setting in the Google Group Settings is the Include in Global Address List. However, this setting is present in the Google Group Settings API.

Does "Who can see group" or "Who can join group" how to hide Google group from global address list

Don't confuse Global Address List with the groups' settings called, Who can see the group and who can join group, read about these settings here change the group's visibility or set who can join your group. These settings have no effect in Global Address List, group addresses still appear as suggestions when typing addresses in Gmail or Calendar invitations. 

Introduction to xFanatical Foresight Automation Tool

The xFanatical Foresight Automation tool is a powerful solution designed to help administrators automate and manage Google Workspace tasks effortlessly. With its user-friendly interface and robust capabilities, it’s perfect for handling tasks like hiding Google Groups from the GAL.

Demo Video

Rule Creation Instructions

Ensure you have a CSV file ready that contains a column labeled "Email," which lists the Google Groups you want to hide from the Global Address List.Ensure you have a CSV file ready that contains a column labeled Email

  1. Log in to your xFanatical Foresight account with your Google Admin account. 
  2. Go to the Rules page and click the New Rule button.
  3. Select the Data uploaded from the select a trigger screen.Select the Data uploaded from the select a trigger screen
  4. Click the upload box, upload the downloaded .CSV file, and wait for it to parse.Click on the upload box and upload the downloaded .CSV, wait for the CSV to be parsedWait for thr CSV to be parsed
  5. Click Next.
  6. On the Select an action screen, click the Update group settings action.On the Select an action screen, click the Update group settings action
  7. Make sure xFanatical Foresight obtains access permission from your Google Workspace Account. Once completed, you will see the status as Access granted.Check for Access granted status
  8. In the Group email field, select the Email from the drop-down menu.In the Group email field, select the Email from the drop-down menu.
  9. Keep all the other settings unchanged. Only select Include in Global Address List and set it to false. Keep all the other settings unchanged. Only select Include in Global Address List and set it to false.
  10. Click Review.
  11. Enter the Rule name. Click Create.Click Review. Enter the Rule name. Click Create.

Rule Triggering

  • Click upload icon of the rule card and upload the same CSV file. This process will take a few seconds.Click the upload icon of the rule card and upload the same CSV file again

Verifying the Results

  1. A notification will pop up in the top right-hand corner. Click on it, then choose View log.A Notification will appear in the top-right corner of the Rules page. Click View All to review the execution status of the rule
  2. Alternatively, the Logs page displays successful rule triggers, where you can access this information.Alternatively, you can access this information on the Logs page, where successful rule triggers are displayed.

It might take 24 hours to activate the new settings. 

Conclusion

Hiding Google Groups from the Global Address List is a necessary step for maintaining organizational privacy and efficiency. With the xFanatical Foresight Automation tool , this task becomes straightforward and manageable. By following the outlined steps, you can ensure that your internal groups remain hidden and your directory remains clutter-free.

If you have yet to install Foresight, check out this quick start.

Please visit the  xFanatical Foresight Automation tool to learn more and sign up for a free trial.

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