Enabling or Disabling Services for Users in Google Workspace: Your Friendly Guide
Ever wished you could decide which Google apps your team can use? Like giving your managers full access to Google Meet but keeping it off for interns? Or maybe letting teachers in a school use YouTube while blocking it for students?
Good news — with Google Workspace, you can. And it’s easier than you think. Let’s walk through how enabling and disabling services works, step by step.
What Does “Enabling or Disabling Services” Mean?
Think of Google Workspace as a toolbox. Inside, you’ve got tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, and Google Meet. But here’s the useful part — as the admin, you can decide who gets which tools.
- Want everyone to have Gmail? Easy.
- Want only managers to have Meet? Done.
- Want to turn off Chat for interns? No problem.
This way, your team only sees and uses what they really need.
What Are Organizational Units (OUs)?
You might see the term OU in the Admin console. Don’t worry — it’s just a simple way of saying “groups of people.”
Imagine it like folders on your computer:
- One folder for students
- One folder for teachers
- One folder for staff
Each folder can have different rules. For example, in Dubai, a school might block YouTube for students but allow it for teachers to share lessons.
How to Enable or Disable Services in Google Workspace
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Sign in to the Admin console (admin.google.com).
- From the menu, go to Apps > Google Workspace.
- Click the service you want to manage (like Gmail, Drive, Meet, or Calendar).
- Select the OU or group you want to apply settings to.
- Choose ON or OFF.
- Save your changes. (Note: changes can take up to 24 hours to fully apply.)
Common Questions
Yes. That’s what OUs and groups are for.
Usually within minutes, but it can take up to 24 hours.
Absolutely. Just go back into the Admin console and switch it back on.
Review the business need. If valid, create a special Access Group for them.
Why This Matters for Businesses in the UAE
When you’re running a business or school in the UAE, Dubai, Sharjah, or Oman, controlling services helps you:
- Keep data secure
- Stay compliant with policies
- Give employees only what they need (and nothing they don’t)
- Save time and reduce distractions
That’s smart management made simple.
Final Thoughts
Managing apps in Google Workspace isn’t complicated at all. It’s like being the coach of a team — you decide who plays which role.
And if you ever feel stuck, remember that we at gworkspace.ae are the official Google Workspace partner and reseller in the UAE. We help businesses in Dubai, Sharjah, and Oman set up and manage Google Workspace the right way — so you don’t have to stress.
