topic Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces in Administration & Architecture

I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

sparkplug — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:54:39 GMT

How do I disable Data Apps on my workspace. This is really annoying that Databricks pushes new features without any option to disable them. At least you should have some tools to control access before rolling it out. It seems you only care about features that you think are worthy of disabling like Lakebase. As an admin I feel helpless that the users in my workspace can deploy an app and leave it running for weeks without anyone noticing anything.

I know I can setup monitoring and alerts but I didn't want to have this problem in the first place.

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

sparkplug — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:55:46 GMT

And this website has really become sluggish, or is it just me

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

Louis_Frolio — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:42:46 GMT

Hey @sparkplug — there are a few options, though to be honest, none are super friendly to implement right now. The good news is that we’re actively working on making this easier, and we should see more control in the near future. As of today, though, here’s what’s possible:

Strongest Option

Contact Databricks Support and request to “Disable Apps.”

This has to be done by support. It’s the most robust approach and will completely disable Apps in the workspace.

Next Strongest

2. Disable serverless in specific workspaces where Apps shouldn’t be allowed.

In preview-enabled workspaces, turning off serverless from the workspace Previews page disables all serverless products, including Apps.

⚠️ Note: This will also disable other serverless features (Workflows, Notebooks, DLT, etc.).

Most Flexible (but More Admin Work)

3. Restrict who can create, use, and manage Apps via detailed permissions:

Limit app creation and management to trusted users or admin groups.
Remove CAN USE, CAN MANAGE, or IS OWNER permissions from general users and assign only to admins or service principals.
Use group-based permissions or service principals for easier management and to prevent individual users from deploying Apps unchecked.
Regularly audit permissions to ensure unauthorized users don’t gain access.

Hope this helps,

— Louis

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

sparkplug — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:29:25 GMT

Hi @Louis_Frolio Thanks for your reply. I have checked the previews regularly but never found an option on workspace level to disable server less. See screenshot for how it looks for me.

I can reach out to the account team if that's the best option.

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

Louis_Frolio — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:23:02 GMT

@sparkplug , it cannot be turned off as a workspace administrator, you have to be a Databricks Account Administrator. The switch is at the account console, not in the workspace.

Hope this helps, Louis.

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

sparkplug — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:11:37 GMT

Okay, this I already knew, but wanted more control on workspace level.

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

Louis_Frolio — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:48:00 GMT

It is presently not an option at the Workspace level.

Regards, Louis.

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

SimonV — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:54:17 GMT

Wanted to second this request, not great that users can just do this without the people administrating the system being able to control it.

@Louis_Frolio regarding your third suggestion:

> Limit app creation and management to trusted users or admin groups.

How and where can one do this?

> Remove CAN USE, CAN MANAGE, or IS OWNER permissions from general users and assign only to admins or service principals.

To which resource should this apply? There are no Apps listed in the ACL documentation https://docs.databricks.com/aws/en/security/auth/access-control/

Thanks

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

Louis_Frolio — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:00:18 GMT

Regular users can’t perform this action — only admins or the owner of the object can. Databricks follows the principle of least privilege, so access is always scoped to the minimum required.

Hope this helps, Louis

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

Raman_Unifeye — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:33:50 GMT

Thanks @Louis_Frolio for the options. As you mentioned none of the options are straighforward ones, is it something can be added to product roadmap ?

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

SimonV — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:01:14 GMT

Hi @Louis_Frolio , Thanks for the quick reply

I'm sorry, but I don't understand. I am account admin and want to limit who can create apps via the third option you mentioned. How and where can one actually "Restrict who can create, use, and manage Apps via detailed permissions"?
Our regular users can definitely create apps even though they are not admins nor owner of the workspace.

Thanks,
Simon

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

Louis_Frolio — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:40:17 GMT

@Raman_Unifeye , I don't have visibility into the roadmap. However, if you are a customer you can always log a feature request. Cheers, Louis.

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

Raman_Unifeye — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 23:00:50 GMT

Sure, I will be logging this request. Thanks.

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

minimi — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 01:03:41 GMT

Thanks @Louis_Frolio

additionally, i have one question.

you said that Accoount levels admins has apps create or manage authority.

where is the option in Account console?

Re: I need a switch to turn off Data Apps in databricks workspaces

Raman_Unifeye — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:53:46 GMT

@Louis_Frolio - How would i implement the #3 option for apps creation restriction. pls elaborate on that. Thanks