Why am I being brought into another user's account?
Using Single Sign-On (SSO) with your school credentials or Google account simplifies access to SpacesEDU. However, when using shared devices, it is important to understand how these sessions are managed to ensure you are always accessing the correct account.
Before You Start
- SSO Persistence: When you log out of SpacesEDU, the platform cannot automatically log you out of your school's Microsoft or Google account.
- Shared Device Risk: If the previous user did not fully sign out of their SSO provider, the next person using the device may be automatically logged into that same account.
- Browser Caching: Browsers often "remember" active sessions to speed up future logins, which can lead to account mixing on shared hardware.
How Do I Know if I'm Using SSO?
You can determine your login method based on the behavior of the login screen after entering your email address.
Login Behavior | Method |
|---|---|
Manual Password Entry | Not SSO: You are using a standard SpacesEDU account. Logging out will fully secure your session. |
Pop-up Login Portal | SSO: You are redirected to a school-branded Microsoft or Google window. |
Direct Login | SSO: You are immediately brought to your dashboard without a password prompt. |
"Log in with Google" | SSO: You selected the dedicated Google authentication button. |
Best Practices for Shared Devices
To prevent unauthorized access and ensure you are in the correct account, follow these security protocols:
- Use Separate Device Profiles: Whenever possible, each user should log into the device itself (Windows or macOS) with their own unique credentials.
- Utilize Incognito/Private Windows: Open SpacesEDU in a private browsing session. Crucial: You must close all open private windows after logging out to fully clear the session.
- Use the SpacesEDU Mobile App: On iOS and Android devices, logging out of the app fully terminates the session, even when using SSO.
- Uncheck "Stay Signed In": For Microsoft accounts, ensure the "Stay signed in?" prompt is unchecked during the login process.
- Decline Password Saving: Always select "No" or "Never" when the browser asks to save your username and password on a shared machine.
Resolving Login Issues
If you find yourself logged into the wrong account, follow these steps to reset your session:
1. Clear Browser Cookies
Clearing your cookies will force the browser to forget the active SSO session. The steps vary by browser:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
- Safari: Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All.
- Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.
2. Force a Provider Logout
Use these direct links to sign out of your identity provider globally:
- Microsoft Accounts: Force Microsoft Logout
- Google Accounts: Sign Out of All Google Accounts (Click your avatar > Sign out of all accounts).
Good to Know
- Azure AD Settings: Administrators can disable the "Stay signed in?" option for all users within the Azure portal. For technical guidance, see Plan a single sign-on deployment.
- Google Shared Devices: For additional security tips when using Google accounts on public or shared hardware, refer to Google's Shared Device Guide.
- Future Improvements: Our engineering team is currently investigating automated logout functions that would simultaneously terminate both the SpacesEDU and SSO provider sessions.
Updated on: 17/08/2026
Thank you!