Why do I see a Google warning?
AlertOwl is currently in beta. Google requires all apps that access Gmail to complete a verification process called CASA Tier 2. We've submitted our application and expect approval by Q3 2026. Until then, Google shows a warning to let you know the app hasn't completed their review —
this does not mean AlertOwl is unsafe.
Step-by-Step Connection Guide
1
Open the Connections tab
Log in to your AlertOwl dashboard and click the Connections tab. You'll see options to connect Gmail and Outlook.
Click the "Connect" button next to Gmail.
2
Sign in with your Google account
A Google sign-in window will appear. Select or sign into the Gmail account you want AlertOwl to monitor.
Tip: This should be the inbox where you receive business emails — client messages, payment notifications, etc.
3
You'll see: "Google hasn't verified this app"
This is the warning screen. It looks like this:
!
Google hasn't verified this app
The app is requesting access to sensitive info in your Google Account. Until the developer verifies this app with Google, you shouldn't use it.
Advanced
BACK TO SAFETY
👆 Click "Advanced" in the bottom-left corner
4
Click "Go to AlertOwl (unsafe)"
After clicking Advanced, a new section expands below. You'll see a link that says:
This app hasn't been verified by Google yet. Only proceed if you know and trust the developer.
Go to alertowl.ai (unsafe)
👆 Click "Go to alertowl.ai (unsafe)"
Don't worry — "unsafe" is misleading. It only means Google hasn't completed their review of AlertOwl yet. Your data is protected by encryption, read-only access, and our strict privacy policy. We can never send, delete, or modify your emails.
5
Review permissions and click "Continue"
Google shows a permission screen: "alertowl.ai wants access to your Google Account". You'll see:
alertowl.ai wants access to your Google Account
⚠ This app hasn't been verified by Google. Because this app is requesting some access to your Google Account, you should continue only if you know and trust this app developer.
Select what alertowl.ai can access
📧
View your email messages and settings.
☑
Make sure you trust alertowl.ai
Review alertowl.ai's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Cancel
Continue
👆 Make sure the checkbox is ticked, then click "Continue"
This is read-only access. "View your email messages and settings" means AlertOwl can read your emails to classify them — it cannot send, delete, or modify anything. Email content is processed in real-time and never stored.
What this permission means:
✓
Read your emails
AlertOwl reads email metadata (sender, subject, snippet) to classify messages. Email body content is processed in real-time and not stored.
✕
Send emails on your behalf
AlertOwl cannot and will never send emails from your account.
✕
Delete or modify emails
AlertOwl has read-only access. Your emails are never changed or removed.
✕
Access your password or other accounts
OAuth means we never see your Google password. Access is limited to the specific inbox you connect.
6
Done — AlertOwl is now monitoring your inbox
You'll be redirected back to your AlertOwl dashboard. Your Gmail connection will show as Active in the Connections tab.
AlertOwl immediately starts scanning your inbox. You'll receive your first WhatsApp alert when something needs your attention — usually within minutes if there are urgent emails waiting.
You're all set! AlertOwl is now monitoring your Gmail 24/7. Urgent emails, complaints, payment issues, and VIP messages will trigger instant WhatsApp alerts.
Common Questions
Can AlertOwl read my personal emails?
AlertOwl only monitors the specific inbox you connect. If you connect your work Gmail, it only monitors that account. It cannot access other Google accounts or personal inboxes.
What does "read-only" mean exactly?
AlertOwl uses Gmail's readonly OAuth scope. This means it can read email headers and content for classification, but cannot send, delete, modify, or forward any emails. It's the most restrictive access level available.
Is my email content stored?
No. Email content is processed in real-time by our AI classifier and immediately discarded. Only metadata (sender, subject, timestamp) and the classification result (category, priority) are stored. Full email bodies are never saved in our database.
When will the Google warning go away?
We're working with Google on their CASA Tier 2 verification process. Once approved (expected Q3 2026), the warning will no longer appear. The verification process is about Google reviewing our app — it doesn't change the security of your data, which is already protected by encryption and strict access controls.
What if I don't see the "Advanced" link?
On some browsers, you may need to scroll down slightly on the warning page to see the "Advanced" link. It's always in the bottom-left area of the warning screen. If you still can't find it, try using Chrome or clearing your browser cache.
Can I connect multiple Gmail accounts?
Yes — go to Connections in your dashboard and click Connect again. Each Gmail account is monitored independently, and alerts clearly indicate which inbox the message came from.