Most common Google Sheets problems and how to solve them

Do you have problems with Google Sheets and you are looking for suitable solutions to fix the errors? Google Sheets problems can occur for multiple reasons, making it hard to identify the root cause immediately. It could be an unstable internet connection, or you may need to clear your browser cache. Below are examples of frequent google sheets problems you may come across in your spreadsheets:

Something went wrong: A notification appears in the upper-middle area of Sheets, with the option to reload the screen. Typically, it’s a result of a weak internet connection.
Spreadsheet crash: Spreadsheets close abruptly or refuse to open. When you try to access them, Sheets returns to the homepage. Using a different account or making a copy of the file solves the issue.
Spreadsheets stuck on loading: A “Still loading” message appears in the upper-right corner of spreadsheets. All menus or tabs are grayed out, and you can’t access them.
A network error has occurred: This message usually appears on the mobile app, with a prompt to use Google Chrome instead.
Access denied: Sheets informs you that you don’t have permission to edit a spreadsheet, even though you own the document. Also, edits won’t save until you regain access.

Basic troubleshooting actions, such as reloading the spreadsheet, using a different browser, or changing your Wi-Fi connection, can fix most problems in Sheets. If you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, use the following tutorials to troubleshoot them.

Check your internet connection

Sheets is a cloud-based productivity tool and requires an internet connection, like most Google apps. Although you can make your spreadsheet available offline, you can’t access all the features until you reconnect to the internet. If your spreadsheets won’t load or are slow, make sure your internet connection is stable before refreshing the page. If that doesn’t work, switch to a different network or switch from a wireless to a cable connection. You can also find Wi-Fi passwords on your phone if you’ve connected to the network in the past.

Use a different browser

Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari are the best browsers for accessing Google Sheets and other Workspace apps. You may not be able to test its full features if you use any browser outside these selections. If Sheets isn’t working on your default browser, try another one. More importantly, ensure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled. Cookies keep you signed in to your accounts and remember your settings or preferences. On the other hand, JavaScript allows dynamic features and interactions to run smoothly.

Clear cache and cookies

A cache downloads websites data, such as HTML web pages and images, on your browser. Storing such data allows it to reduce bandwidth usage, reduce the server load time, and allow you to load it faster. On the other hand, cookies enable your browser to track your activities on a website and retain information concerning your interaction with content. For example, passwords, the browser you used, web pages you visited and preferences, and IP address. Sometimes, updated website content can conflict with the saved data in caches and cookies, causing errors. If that’s the case, delete them on the Android app or web version of Sheets. Start with clearing caches and cookies for the web app alone. If you clear all cookies in your browser instead, this action deletes every login information and settings preferences for every website you visited.

Clear Hosted app data in Chrome

Similar to caches and cookies, hosted app data in Chrome refers to information that apps and extensions from the Chrome Web Store keep in your browser when you download and use them. The data could be conflicting with Sheets, and wiping it may resolve the issue when other solutions don’t work. You must perform this step on a computer, as the mobile app can’t clear Hosted app data.

Open the Chrome app on your phone, Chromebook, Mac, or Windows computer.
If you own a Windows PC, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete to open the menu for clearing browsing data. Mac owners need to press Command+Shift+Delete.
Click Advanced.
Choose a time range.
Scroll down and select Hosted app data. Uncheck the boxes for Browsing history and others.
Click Clear data

Remove third-party access

In 2021, The Verge reported their website downtime via Google Docs, but someone forgot to change the permissions to view only. Soon enough, many people accessed the document and began typing hilarious notes. To avoid such mistakes, check the permissions for your spreadsheets before you share and collaborate on them. In the wrong hands, people you’ve transferred ownership of files and folders to can alter permissions and kick you out. Or worse, delete them permanently.

Check your Google Workspace storage

By default, Google gives you 15GB of storage when you create a personal account. Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, and all WorkSpace apps share this space, which isn’t enough if you’re constantly backing up documents and media content. When your storage is full, you can’t access existing files in Sheets or create new ones. Google lets you upgrade it up to two terabytes when you subscribe to a Google One membership plan.

Reduce the size of your sheets

The more cells you use in Sheets, the slower the responsiveness of your spreadsheet. A basic computation that takes seconds to complete will turn into minutes. To make your spreadsheet run faster, trim it down. Delete rows, columns, and cells that you don’t need. If the data is too much for one spreadsheet, migrate entries to another spreadsheet.