You clicked Turn in, then spotted a mistake, forgot a file or attached the wrong document. Don’t worry. In most cases you can take the work back, fix it and turn it in again in under a minute.
Quick answer: open the assignment, click or tap Unsubmit in the “Your work” box, confirm, make your changes, then click Turn in again before the due date.
Below I’ll show the exact steps on a computer, Android and iPhone or iPad, explain what changes when you unsubmit, and what to do when the Unsubmit button isn’t there.
If you’re still setting up, start with my guide on how to join a Google Classroom class with a code.
How to unsubmit on a computer
- Go to classroom.google.com and sign in with your school account.
- Open the class, then click Classwork.
- Click the assignment, then View instructions (or View assignment).
- In the Your work box on the right, click Unsubmit.
- Click Unsubmit again to confirm.
- Make your changes: edit the file, remove the wrong attachment or add a new one.
- Click Turn in and confirm.
The status changes from “Turned in” back to Assigned (or Missing if the due date has passed) until you turn it in again.
How to unsubmit on Android, iPhone or iPad
- Open the Google Classroom app.
- Tap the class, then tap Classwork.
- Tap the assignment.
- Open the Your work card at the bottom of the screen (tap it or swipe it up).
- Tap Unsubmit, then tap Unsubmit again to confirm.
- Make your changes, then tap Turn in.
If you can’t see the Your work card, scroll down. On small phones it sits below the assignment instructions.
What happens when you unsubmit
Knowing this avoids surprises:
- You can edit your files again. When you turn in work, Classroom makes your teacher the owner of attached Google Docs, Slides or Sheets and you become a viewer. Unsubmitting gives you editing access back.
- Your teacher can see it. The assignment history shows each time work was turned in and unsubmitted, with timestamps. It isn’t hidden.
- The due date still counts. Google says any assignment turned in after the due date is recorded as late. If you unsubmit after the deadline, your resubmission will be marked late.
- Nothing is deleted. Your attachments stay on the assignment unless you remove them.
My honest advice: if you’re unsubmitting close to or after the deadline, add a short private comment to your teacher explaining what you changed. It saves confusion.
Unsubmit button missing? Common reasons
| What you see | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No Unsubmit button on a quiz | It’s a Google Forms quiz. Unsubmitting in Classroom doesn’t change the answers you already sent in the form. | You can only change answers if your teacher allowed response editing. Otherwise, ask your teacher. |
| Quiz says it’s locked | Your teacher used locked mode on a managed Chromebook. | Ask your teacher. Locked quizzes can’t be reopened by students. |
| Can’t change a question answer | It’s a Question post and editing answers is turned off. | Teachers choose whether students can edit answers. Ask your teacher to allow it or to return the work. |
| Work says “Returned” | Your teacher has already graded and returned it. | You can usually edit and click Resubmit. Check with your teacher first. |
| Button is greyed out or nothing happens | App glitch, slow connection or wrong account. | Refresh the page, update the app, or try on a computer. Make sure you’re in your school account. |
Unsubmit vs “Mark as done”
Some assignments have no attachments. Instead of Turn in, you see Mark as done. You can undo it the same way: open the assignment and click Unmark as done, then mark it done again when you’re ready.
Tips to avoid unsubmitting at all
- Check attachments before you click Turn in. Open each file once to make sure it’s the right version.
- Use the file Classroom creates for you. If your teacher attached a template, edit the copy with your name in the title rather than uploading a separate file.
- Turn in early, then double-check. If you spot a problem before the deadline, you can still unsubmit and fix it without a late mark.
- Keep your app updated so buttons appear where you expect them.
For teachers: returning work instead
If a student needs to fix something, you can return the work, with or without a grade. The student then sees Resubmit and can edit and turn in again. In the assignment history this shows as returned rather than unsubmitted. My guide on how to create a class in Google Classroom covers the teacher side of setup.
Frequently asked questions
Can my teacher see if I unsubmit? Yes. The assignment history shows when work was turned in and unsubmitted. It’s not a secret, so a quick comment explaining the change helps.
Can I unsubmit after the due date? Usually yes, unless your teacher has returned or locked the work. But your new submission will be marked late.
Will unsubmitting delete my work? No. Your files stay attached. Only the status changes until you turn it in again.
Why can’t I edit my Google Doc after turning it in? Because turning in makes your teacher the owner and you a viewer. Unsubmit to get editing access back.
Related guides on WebTechHelp
- How to join a Google Classroom class with a code
- How to create a class in Google Classroom
- Google Classroom guardian summaries explained
- Kami app: open and turn in Kami assignments
- How to use ChatGPT for school (the right way)
Sources
- Google Classroom Help: Turn in an assignment
- Google Classroom Help: Create a question
- Google Classroom Help: Create a quiz assignment
- Alice Keeler: How to unsubmit work on Google Classroom
