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Open the spreadsheet on a computer and go to File > Version history > See version history. Select a timestamp to inspect that revision. You can either restore it as the active spreadsheet or make a separate copy. Before restoring, note that Google says restoration clears earlier cell-by-cell edit history.
Open and inspect version history
You need to own the spreadsheet or have edit access to see past versions and restore one. In the spreadsheet, select File > Version history > See version history. Google documents this workflow in Google Docs Editors Help.
- Open the Google Sheets file on a computer.
- Select File > Version history > See version history.
- In the version-history panel, select a timestamp to view the spreadsheet as it appeared at that point.
- Check the editor names and colored edits shown in the panel to help identify the revision you need.
Version history can help show who changed the file and when; see Google’s Manage data help page.
Choose whether to restore or make a copy
Restoring replaces the spreadsheet’s active state with the selected revision. Making a copy keeps the current spreadsheet separate while giving you another file based on the older state.
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| Choice | What happens | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Restore this version | The selected revision becomes the active version of the spreadsheet. Google warns that restoring clears the cell-by-cell edit history for changes made before the restore; see Find what’s changed in a file. | You want the older state to replace the current one and do not need that prior cell-by-cell edit history. |
| Make a copy | Creates a separate copy of the selected earlier version, leaving the current spreadsheet in place. | You want to inspect or recover older contents without replacing the current spreadsheet. |
Restore the selected revision
- In the version-history panel, select the timestamp for the revision you want.
- Review the displayed spreadsheet to confirm it is the state you intend to use.
- Select Restore this version and confirm if prompted.
The selected revision then becomes the active spreadsheet. If preserving the previous cell-by-cell edit history matters, use the copy option instead: Google’s documentation states that restoring clears that history for changes made before the restore.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Make a copy of an earlier version instead
- Open File > Version history > See version history.
- Select the timestamp of the older version you want to retain.
- Choose the option to make a copy of that version and complete the prompts.
Use the separate file to examine or recover earlier content while leaving the current spreadsheet active.
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