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Set up offline access before you lose your internet connection. On a computer, enable Drive’s Offline setting, install the Google Docs Offline extension in Chrome or Microsoft Edge, then mark the spreadsheet available offline. On Android or iPhone/iPad, use the Sheets app’s Make available offline option. Your changes sync after you reconnect.
Enable offline editing on a computer
Complete setup while connected to the internet. You’ll need Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, the Google Docs Offline extension, and enough free local storage for the file. Don’t use a private or incognito browsing session.
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Open Chrome or Microsoft Edge and install and enable the Google Docs Offline extension.
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In Google Drive, open Drive settings and turn on Offline.
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Make the spreadsheet available offline. In Drive, right-click the file and select Available offline. You can also open the spreadsheet and select File > Make available offline.
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Check the document status control near the spreadsheet title. It indicates whether the file is ready for offline editing and explains if it isn’t ready.
Google says some recent files may be saved offline automatically when storage allows, but mark the specific spreadsheet you need and check its status rather than relying on automatic caching.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsGoogle’s dedicated offline instructions list Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Its general Sheets access guidance describes the computer offline workflow as Chrome-only. Follow the dedicated offline page for setup; these instructions do not establish support for other browsers.
Enable offline editing on Android or iPhone/iPad
Use the Google Sheets app to save a spreadsheet for offline use. You can prepare an individual file or enable offline access for recent files.
Save one spreadsheet
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Find the spreadsheet in the Sheets app.
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Tap More next to its name, then tap Make available offline.
Save recent files automatically
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Open the Docs, Sheets, or Slides app.
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Go to Menu > Settings.
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Turn on Make recent files available offline.
To locate saved files, open Menu > Offline. For the current mobile steps, see Google’s offline instructions.
What happens to offline edits when you reconnect?
Changes made offline are applied when you’re back online and can be reviewed in the spreadsheet’s version history. Drive also saves offline changes to your files after reconnection. Google’s computer guidance warns that new changes overwrite previous changes, so don’t assume that concurrent offline edits will always merge as intended. Reconnect and confirm that your changes have synchronized before relying on them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot offline access or syncing
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The file isn’t ready: Check the status control near the spreadsheet title. Confirm you’re using Chrome or Microsoft Edge, private browsing is off, the Google Docs Offline extension is enabled, and Drive’s Offline setting is on.
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The file won’t sync: Check your internet connection, then turn offline availability for the file off and on again.
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The problem persists: Google says the file may be too large. Try reducing its size or splitting sections into separate files.
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See Google’s offline troubleshooting guidance for the computer workflow.
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