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How to Access Gemini with Your BYU-Idaho Account

Audience: All BYU-Idaho users (employees and students) Prerequisites: An active BYU-Idaho account. Unlike ChatGPT Edu, Gemini does not require a separate license request. It is included with BYU-Idaho's Google education licenses and available to all students and employees.

Step 1: Go to Gemini​

Open your browser and navigate to gemini.google.com. You'll land on the Gemini homepage.

In the top-right corner, click the "Sign in" button.

Tip: If you're already signed in with a personal Google account, click your profile icon in the top-right corner, then select "Add another account" to add your BYU-Idaho account.

Step 2: Enter Your BYU-Idaho Email Address​

On the Google sign-in page, enter your BYU-Idaho email address in this format:

email@byui.edu

Replace email with your BYU-Idaho email address (e.g., email@byui.edu). Then click Next.

Important: Use your BYU-Idaho email address, not your username. Google authentication requires the email format.

Step 3: Complete BYU-Idaho Authentication​

After entering your BYU-Idaho email you may be redirected to the Church login page. Depending on your session state, you may:

  • Be signed in automatically if you already have an active BYU-Idaho SSO session in your browser
  • Be prompted to enter your Church credentials and complete multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Follow the prompts to enter your Church credentials and complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) if prompted.

Step 4: Confirm You're Using Your Institutional Account​

Once authentication is complete, your browser will return to gemini.google.com. You'll know the institutional login was successful when:

  • The top-right profile icon shows your BYU-Idaho account avatar or initials
  • Clicking the profile icon displays your @byui.edu email address

This confirms you are using the institutional account with BYU-Idaho's data protections.

Returning Users: Switching Accounts​

If you use Gemini with both a personal and institutional Google account, make sure the correct account is active before each session. Click the profile icon in the top-right corner to see which account is selected, and switch to your @byui.edu account if needed.

Important: Use Your Institutional Account​

Gemini's approved data classification levels (Public and Internal) only apply when you are signed in with your BYU-Idaho account. If you use a personal Google account, no institutional data protections are in place. Treat it as Public-level only.

Troubleshooting​

I can't sign in with my BYU-Idaho email. Verify you are entering your BYU-Idaho email address (not your username). If the issue persists, your Google Workspace account may need to be provisioned. Contact the IT.

I'm signed in but not sure if I'm on the institutional account. Click the profile icon in the top-right corner. Your @byui.edu email address should be displayed. If you see a personal email instead, switch accounts.

Gemini says my account doesn't have access. Contact the IT for assistance.