App Restrictions for Students
App restrictions help keep students safe by limiting access to certain apps. Team owners and administrators can manage what students can access in Settings > Apps. Use Access to set category-level and role-based controls, and Manage to choose who can access specific apps (including exceptions/overrides).
How app access works in Canva for Education
In Canva for Education, app access is managed in Settings > Apps using:
- Access: category-level and role-based access controls
- Manage: app-specific access overrides and starred recommendations
By default in Education:
- AI connectors are blocked for all Education users.
- Generative AI and social media apps are allowed for teachers and blocked for students.
Note: Admins can change these settings based on their school or district policy.
What to expect when your students try to access restricted apps
When students connect to an app, they’ll see a banner message asking them to contact their admins if they wish to use it.
Some apps and categories are restricted for students by default. Follow the steps below to review and update your school’s app access settings.
Turn on app restrictions for students
- From the homepage, go to Settings.
- Select Apps.
- To restrict access by category, open the Access tab and set the relevant categories to match your student policy (for example, block social media apps for students).
- To change access for a specific app, open the Manage tab.
- Search for the app you want to update.
- On the app, select the(more) menu, then select Override access.
- Under Who can use this app, choose the access level you want (role-based options may vary).
- Select Save (if prompted).
If the option to change permissions is unavailable, please get in touch with your school's admin and ask them to review Settings > Apps access so your students can regain access to the app.
Organisation vs brand (for multi-brand organisations)
- Organisation admins set the maximum access allowed across the organisation.
- Brand admins can manage access within that limit.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I use this app in Canva as a student?
Some apps and app categories are restricted by default for students, including generative AI and social media apps. If an app isn’t available, contact your teacher or school administrator and let them know which app you’re trying to use. They can review your school’s app access settings.
Why is this app asking me to contact my team admin as a student?
If you see a message asking you to contact your admin, the app is restricted for students by default. Contact your teacher or school administrator and share the name of the app you’re trying to use.
How do I change who can access this app for my students?
Some apps and app categories are restricted for students by default. Students under 18 need administrator approval to use third-party apps.
Follow the steps above to review Access (categories) and Manage (individual apps) settings for students.
Our district wants to disable all third-party apps for students. What should we do?
Contact your District Engagement Advocate (DEA). They can help disable third-party apps across your district based on your policies.
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