August 11, 2025
Deploy Context-Aware Access levels in “Warn” mode
What’s changing
Admins can now select “Warn” as an action when deploying context-aware access (CAA) levels. When applied, end users will see a warning message if they do not meet their admin defined conditions for accessing Google Workspace applications. They can click “See details” to see more information about why they received the warning – for example, they may be notified that their operating system is outdated and requires an update. The warning provides a useful reminder for the user to take action otherwise access could be blocked in the future.
It’s important to note that “Warn” mode will not block users from accessing a particular app or service and they will have the option to proceed despite the warning. “Warn” mode helps educate users if they’re trying to access apps in a less secure situation and how to remediate this risk, while reducing the workload required by admins to socialize best practices.
Example of a warning notification
Example of what a user might see when they click “See details”
Additional details
- Warning messages will be shown to users once every 48 hours if their device and session continues to not meet access levels to ensure minimizing end user friction.
- "Access Warning Sent” and “Access Warning Viewed by User” events can be reviewed in the CAA audit logs and in the security investigation tool for select Google Workspace customers.
Getting started
- Admins:
- “Warn mode” can be assigned to existing CAA levels and new access levels in the Admin console. CAA levels can be applied at the OU and Group levels. Visit the Help Center to learn more about assigning Context-Aware access levels to apps.
- You can also manage end user remediation messages to help users to unblock apps with remediation messages in Context Aware Access.
- End users: Depending on your admin configuration, you may see warning messages when trying to access apps under certain conditions.
Admin app access level assignment flow
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 5, 2025.
Availability
Available for Google Workspace:
- Frontline Standard and Frontline Plus
- Enterprise Standard and Enterprise Plus
- Education Standard and Education Plus
- Enterprise Essentials Plus
- Cloud Identity Premium
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Protect your business with Context-Aware Access
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Context-Aware Access overview
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Create Context-Aware access levels
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Assign Context-Aware access levels to apps
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Context-Aware Access log events