Kicking someone out of Google Docs is a straightforward process. First, open the document, click on the "Share" button, and navigate to the list of people who have access. Find the person you want to remove and change their permission to "Remove" or "Remove access." This will kick them out of the document, ensuring they can no longer view or edit it.
How to Kick Someone Out of Google Docs
Removing someone from your Google Doc will prevent them from accessing the document again. Follow these simple steps to quickly and efficiently manage who can see your work.
Step 1: Open the Google Doc
Open the Google Doc that you want to edit.
Make sure you’re signed into your Google account and have the document open in your browser. You need to have owner or editor permissions to remove someone.
Step 2: Click on the "Share" Button
Select the "Share" button located in the top-right corner of the screen.
This button will bring up a dialog box containing all the sharing settings for your document, including who has access.
Step 3: Find the User
Look through the list of people who have access to the document.
Once you click "Share," a list of people with access to your document will appear. Scroll through this list to locate the person you want to kick out.
Step 4: Change Permissions
Click on the permission dropdown menu next to the person’s name.
This menu will show the current access level they have, such as Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.
Step 5: Select "Remove"
Choose "Remove" or "Remove access" from the list of options.
By selecting this option, you will remove the person’s access to the document, effectively kicking them out.
After you’ve completed these steps, the person you removed will no longer be able to view or edit your Google Doc. They will receive an email notification that their access has been revoked, keeping them informed of the change.
Tips for Kicking Someone Out of Google Docs
- Double-check permissions: Before removing someone, make sure they shouldn’t have access. It’s always good to double-check so you don’t accidentally kick out the wrong person.
- Communicate changes: If possible, let the person know why they are being removed. This avoids confusion and maintains a professional relationship.
- Use descriptive names: When sharing documents, use clear naming conventions for users. This makes it easier to identify who you need to remove later.
- Regular audits: Regularly audit who has access to your documents to ensure that only the necessary people can view or edit them.
- Leverage Google Groups: If your document is shared with a group, remember that removing someone from Google Docs may not automatically remove them from the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if someone is removed from my Google Doc?
You will receive a confirmation message in the sharing settings dialog, and the person’s name will disappear from the list.
Can the person I removed still see the document?
No, once you remove them, they can no longer access the document.
What if I accidentally remove the wrong person?
You can easily add them back by repeating the sharing process and granting them access again.
Does removing someone notify them?
Yes, they will receive an email notification informing them that their access has been revoked.
Can I block someone from requesting access again?
While you can’t block requests, you can ignore or deny them if they ask for access again.
Summary
- Open the Google Doc.
- Click on the "Share" button.
- Find the user.
- Change permissions.
- Select "Remove."
Conclusion
Managing access to your Google Docs is essential for maintaining control over your content. Kicking someone out of Google Docs when necessary is a simple process that can be completed in just a few clicks. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll ensure that only the right people are involved in your projects, protecting your work from unauthorized access.
Keep in mind that communication remains key—letting someone know why they’re being removed can prevent misunderstandings. Regularly checking who has access can also help you keep your documents secure. And if you ever make a mistake, remember that you can reinstate access just as easily as you removed it.
As you go forward, consider implementing a routine check of your document’s access list. This will help you stay on top of who can view or edit your work, providing peace of mind. So, the next time you need to kick someone out of your Google Doc, you’ll be ready to handle it with ease.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.