Google Sheets is one of the most popular tools for online collaboration, allowing teams, students, and businesses to work together in real time. However, many spreadsheets are protected to prevent accidental edits or unauthorized changes. If you ever encounter a “This sheet is protected” message, don’t worry — unlocking it is usually simple.
Whether you want to remove sheet protection, unprotect specific ranges, or regain access to a locked spreadsheet, this guide explains every method to unlock a Google Sheet in clear, easy steps.
What Does ‘Locked’ Mean in Google Sheets?
A Google Sheet becomes locked when:
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The owner protects the sheet or specific ranges
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Permissions restrict you to “View Only”
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Someone else has editing access while you don’t
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The sheet is protected by password (rare but possible using advanced tools)
To unlock it, you’ll need proper permissions or ownership access.
How to Unlock a Google Sheet (If You Are the Owner)
If you created the file or have full editing rights, unlocking a protected sheet is easy.
Method 1: Remove Sheet Protection
Step-by-Step:
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Open the Google Sheet.
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Go to the top menu and click Data.
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Select Protect sheets and ranges.
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On the right panel, choose the protected sheet or range you want to edit.
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Click the Trash (Remove protection) icon.
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Confirm your choice.
✔ The sheet is now fully unlocked for editing.
Method 2: Unlock Specific Protected Ranges
Sometimes only certain cells are protected. To unlock them:
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Open the sheet.
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Go to Data → Protect sheets and ranges.
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Select the protected range from the panel.
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Click Delete or adjust permission settings.
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Save your changes.
This restores full editing control over those specific cells.
How to Unlock a Google Sheet (If You Are Not the Owner)
If you’re not the file owner, your ability to unlock the sheet depends on permissions.
Method 3: Request Edit Access
If the sheet is locked as “View Only,” you must request permission.
How to do it:
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Open the Google Sheet.
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Click the blue Request edit access button.
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Add a message (optional).
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Click Send.
The owner will receive your request and can approve or deny it.
Method 4: Make a Copy (If Allowed)
If you only need the data — not the protected structure — and “Make a copy” is enabled:
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Click File in the menu.
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Select Make a copy.
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Save the file to your Drive.
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The copied version is 100% unlocked and editable.
This is the fastest workaround when editing permissions are restricted.
Method 5: Check Your Google Account Permissions
Sometimes you’re logged into the wrong account.
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Click your profile icon in Google Sheets.
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Switch to the correct Gmail account that has editing rights.
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Reload the sheet.
If your access level changes, the sheet unlocks automatically.
How to Unlock a Google Sheet Protected by Password (Advanced)
Google Sheets itself does not support password protection directly.
However, add-ons or external scripts can lock your sheet using a password.
To unlock it:
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You must enter the correct password
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Or ask the owner for the unlocking key
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Or ask them to remove the script/add-on
⚠ There is no legal or ethical way to bypass a password without the owner’s permission.
How to Remove Editing Restrictions from a Sheet You Own
If you want to reset your sheet so anyone can edit:
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Open the file.
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Go to Share (top-right).
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Under General access, select:
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Anyone with the link → Editor
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Save changes.
Now the file is fully unlocked for collaborators.
Why Google Sheets Get Locked
Common reasons include:
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Preventing accidental edits
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Protecting formulas
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Controlling sensitive financial or business data
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Classroom spreadsheets protected by teachers
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Team documents that require restricted access
Understanding why a sheet is locked helps you decide the right unlocking method.
Tips for Avoiding Locked Sheets in the Future
✔ Always check who owns the document
✔ Ensure you have “Editor” permission before working
✔ Avoid editing protected formulas unless necessary
✔ Communicate with the team before unprotecting sheets
✔ Keep copies of important spreadsheets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I unlock a protected Google Sheet without permission?
No. You must be the owner or have editing rights.
2. Why can’t I edit a sheet even though I have access?
The sheet or certain ranges may still be protected.
Remove protection under Data → Protect sheets & ranges.
3. What if the owner doesn’t respond to my edit request?
You can still make a copy (if enabled) and work on your own version.
4. Does making a copy remove protection?
Yes — copied Google Sheets are never protected unless manually locked again.
5. Can I unlock a Google Sheet on mobile?
Yes, but it’s easier on desktop.
Menu: ⋮ (More) → Protect sheet → Remove protection.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking a Google Sheet is easy, whether you’re the owner or just a collaborator needing access. By understanding the difference between protected ranges, editing permissions, and sheet-level protection, you can quickly regain full control of your spreadsheet.