Google Spreadsheet allows users to collaborate on a single spreadsheet without having to save anything. And all edits are recorded in real time. However, few users fail to take advantage of the primary feature and point of sale of Sheets. Many users complain that Google Sheets does not allow them to write or edit documents.
This means you cannot collaborate with team members and the whole process becomes tedious and time consuming. There can be many reasons for this error. We found a few solutions to help fix this.
Let’s start.
1. Basic Steps
These are simple steps that can help you fix some common mistakes and mistakes you may encounter when using Sheets. To reload the file, refresh the page and try again. Close the browser and restart it. I don’t see how restarting the computer can help other than freeing up system resources but it’s worth a try.
2. Quick Solution
A quick way to circumvent this problem is to use the Sheets app on your smartphone or tablet. This will not only allow you to work on the file and get things done, but it will also help clarify where the problem lies. For example, if you can write or edit inside Sheets on the mobile app, but not in the browser, you need to troubleshoot the browser.
Try different platforms (Android, iOS, web) and browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Brave) together to find out what works and what doesn’t. Skip to #8 to learn how to clear cache and data to fix the problem in both the browser and the mobile app.
3. Copy to New Sheets File
Another quick solution would be to copy the contents of the file into a new Sheets file. Simply type ‘sheets.new’ in the address bar of a new browser tab to create a new file and try copying and pasting the content. The permissions will lead you to determine if you are encountering the exact same error. Check if this works for you.
4. Offline Work
Do you have a stable internet connection? You can try a different Wi-Fi connection or mobile hotspot. If you don’t have access to the internet, there are two things you need to do. One is to download and install the Google Docs Offline extension for Chromium-based browsers. The next step is to enable the Work Offline option for Sheets in Browser settings. Your work will be saved to your Google account when your PC connects to the internet again. Can you write and edit in Sheets while working in offline mode?
5. Google Account
Before you can edit or write in Google Sheets, you must sign in with your Google account. Of course, we often open pages with different domain accounts, and this should work if it’s part of the G Suite family.
Just click the view button and you will see a message specifically asking you to sign in using a Google account. Do this, refresh the page, and then check again if you can edit Google Sheets.
6. View or Edit Permission
You can only view, comment, or edit a Spreadsheet file, it also depends on the access permissions granted to you. Typically, the person who created the Sheets document provides these permissions. It is possible that you are in view-only mode, or that you can only comment on the file but cannot edit or modify it.
This is another reason why Sheets doesn’t allow you to write or edit. Send the admin/creator an email and request edit access. Alternatively, you can click the ‘View Only’ button and submit a request for editing rights.
7. Extension Conflicts
I use several extensions that help me with work and other browsing activities. Sometimes, some extensions can cause conflicts. Open the Sheets file in Incognito mode and check if you can write or edit in the file. If yes, you need to disable all extensions/plugins and re-enable them one by one to find the culprit.
You can also enable half of the extensions at once. Then you will know which half the conflict originated from and repeat the process (8 > 4 > 2 > 1) until there is only one left. Get an extension manager for your extensions and it will make your life much easier.
8. Cache and Data Issue
Application data and cache files may be responsible for the error. This applies to both the web and mobile app of Sheets. The steps may vary slightly depending on your browser or phone make and model.
Here are the steps for the scanner. Open Settings and under Advanced or Additional settings you will find the heading Privacy and security. Click on Clear browsing data here.
Under the Advanced tab, select ‘Cookies and other site data’ and ‘Cached images and files’. You can also select Time range to choose between days, weeks and more. Note that doing this will log you out of all sites and services open in the browser. So be sure to save everything before proceeding.
Sign in to your Google account again and open the Sheets file. Do Sheets now let you write or edit?
Here are the steps for Android phones. Open Settings and go to Apps > Manage apps > Sheets.
Tap on Clear data and select both options one by one. Sign in again and check if you can write and edit in Sheets.
Timelines
Hard times require tough actions. Google Sheets has aged well and works really well until it doesn’t get old. The solutions mentioned above are pretty easy to follow and should have worked. If you found another way to fix the error writing and editing Spreadsheets, do share with us in the comments below.
Next: Are you a small business owner? Here are 11 Google Spreadsheet templates to help business owners manage various aspects of your business.
