> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.groundcover.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.groundcover.com/architecture/byoc/setup-byoc-with-gcp/running-the-groundcover-sensor-on-gke-autopilot.md).

# Running the groundcover sensor on GKE Autopilot

### Requirements

* A GKE Autopilot cluster on **1.32.2-gke.1652000 or later**.
* The groundcover Helm chart with Autopilot support (`agent.gke.autopilot.*`) in version 1.12.90+.

### How it works

1. **Allowlist** — Google stores groundcover's approved sensor allowlist in a managed partner repo (`groundcover/sensor/*`).
2. **Synchronizer** — you install an `AllowlistSynchronizer` (a cluster-scoped CR) that pulls that allowlist into your cluster as a `WorkloadAllowlist`.
3. **Label** — the sensor pod carries `cloud.google.com/matching-allowlist`, which tells Autopilot to match it against the allowlist and admit it.

Enabling `agent.gke.autopilot.enabled` wires up (2) and (3) for you.

### Install

Add to your sensor values:

```yaml
agent:
  gke:
    autopilot:
      enabled: true
      # installs an AllowlistSynchronizer pointing at groundcover's partner repo
      installAllowlistSynchronizer: true
      allowlistRepoPath: "groundcover/sensor/*"
```

If you already manage allowlists yourself, set `installAllowlistSynchronizer: false` and provide your own `AllowlistSynchronizer` .

### Private image mirrors

If you pull the sensor images from your **own private registry** (not `public.ecr.aws/groundcovercom` or `quay.io/groundcover`), reference them **by digest** and pin your workload to that digest:

```
image: registry.example.internal/mirror/sensor@sha256:<digest>
```

A mirror of a groundcover image keeps the **same digest**, and the approved allowlist lists those digests (`containerImageDigests`), so a digest-pinned image is admitted regardless of its registry path. If you mirror a version whose digest isn't in the allowlist yet, ask groundcover to add it.

### Troubleshooting

* **Sensor pods rejected by "GKE Warden"** — the `WorkloadAllowlist` isn't installed yet (check `kubectl get workloadallowlist`) or the matching label is missing. Confirm the `AllowlistSynchronizer` is `Ready`.
* **`… Mismatch …` in the rejection** — the running sensor differs from the approved allowlist (e.g. an extra volume/mount from custom values). Autopilot prints the exact field; align your values or contact groundcover for an updated allowlist.
* See also Google's guide: <https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/how-to/run-autopilot-partner-workloads>


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