Google Forms gets an super-helpful new feature

Google is finally addressing one of the most long-standing feature requests for Google Forms: the ability to automatically stop collecting responses. For years, form creators had to manually toggle the “Accepting responses” switch to close a form, which often led to late-night manual interventions or missed deadlines. With the latest update to Workspace, Google is introducing automated controls that allow creators to set specific triggers for closing a form.

This update introduces two primary ways to automate the closure of a form. First, owners and editors can now set a precise date and time for the form to stop accepting new entries. This is particularly useful for time-sensitive applications like event registrations, contest entries, or limited-time surveys. Once the clock hits the designated time, the form will automatically move to a closed state, displaying a custom message to any latecomers.

Response-based triggers and streamlined management

The second major addition is the ability to set a response limit. This allows creators to define exactly how many submissions they are willing to accept. Once that cap is reached, the form will shut down automatically.

This level of automation is a significant win for productivity, especially for users who manage multiple forms simultaneously. By removing the need for manual oversight, Google is making Forms a much more viable tool for professional workflows where data collection parameters are strictly defined. It eliminates the risk of over-recruiting for studies or exceeding capacity for events due to a delay in manually closing the access.

Availability and rollout

This new feature is being made available across the board, covering all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and even those using personal Google accounts. It is disabled by default, but form creators can easily enable it within the “Responses” tab after a form has been published.

The rollout is currently underway for Rapid Release domains as of January 12, 2026, with a gradual 15-day window for visibility. Users on Scheduled Release domains can expect to see the feature starting January 29, 2026. As Google continues to refine its legacy Workspace tools, these common-sense updates help keep Google Forms competitive in an increasingly crowded market of specialized survey and data collection tools.