Google Sheets Offline Windows

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Open your Google Drive. Select 'Settings' in the upper right corner of the browser. Check the 'Offline' box. Finally, go to Google Sheets and start working on your file. Thankfully, Google Drive, Docs and Sheets come with an Offline mode that allows users to sync their files and documents to a particular device and work on them without the need for internet connection. So, if there are some files or documents that you often use for work or other reasons, it may be a good idea to enable Offline mode. Windows 10 version 1803 build 17134.285: Consumer (SL/Home/Pro/Edu) 64-bit.

It's been a while since I ditched Word for Google Docs, and I don't regret my decision one bit. But if there's a downside to using Google's word processor, it's the rather erratic offline experience. And considering the spotty internet in my area, that's a concern.

Over time, I have come to know of a number of reasons that can cause Google Docs to fail to function properly offline. If you are having issues when attempting to use Google Docs offline, then let me share a few pointers that will help you get things rolling in the right direction.

Movist pro 2 2 8. These troubleshooting tips also apply to Google Sheets and Slides, so if you have any issues getting your spreadsheets or slideshows to work offline, then feel free to try them out.

1. Switch to Google Chrome

I was quite dismayed when I first came to realize that Google Docs only worked offline in Chrome. But really, can we blame Google for wanting to keep Docs functioning the best on their own web browser?

Download Google Chrome

Unlike with other browsers, Docs running on Chrome will not freeze while you are working on a document if you lose internet connectivity. And even better, it's the only browser to officially support the Google Docs Offline extension — install it, and you can seamlessly access your most recent documents even when you are offline.

So if you are using a browser such as Firefox, Safari, or Edge, then you need to switch browsers. Yeah — that sucks, but it's something that you have to do if you really want to use Google Docs offline. Once you have Chrome installed, don't forget to install the Google Docs Offline extension as well.

Download Google Docs Offline Extension
Google sheets windows application

Technically speaking, other Chromium-based browsers (Opera, Brave, Vivaldi, Edge Chromium, etc.) should also support the Google Docs Offline extension. While I haven't tried this personally, Vlad Savov of The Verge seems to have the extension up and running in Brave without issues. It's something that you can look into if you use such a browser.

Also on Guiding Tech How to Install Chrome Extensions in Microsoft Edge Read More

2. Enable Google Docs Offline Extension

Already using Google Chrome? If you can't open documents in Google Docs when you are offline, then once again, make sure that you have the Google Docs Offline extension installed.

If you are absolutely sure that you have it installed, then head into the Extensions panel in Chrome and verify that it is enabled. To get to the Extensions panel, open the Chrome menu, point to More Tools, and then click Extensions.

3. Enable Offline Access in Docs or Drive

You have Chrome installed, and you have also verified that the Google Docs Offline extension is downloaded and activated. If you are still facing issues in getting Google Docs to kick in when offline, your next course of action should be to verify that offline access is enabled for Google Docs. And it's quite simple to do that.

Within the Home screen of Google Docs, just open the Docs menu, click Settings, and then turn on the toggle next to Offline.

In the event that it is already enabled, it's always a good idea to switch it off, and then back on again. Doing that tends to resolve any bugs associated with offline access.

4. Create New Chrome Profile

Are you in a shared environment? If so, a single Chrome profile will only support a single Google Docs account for offline syncing. This is usually denoted by the ‘Another user has already enabled offline access on this computer error' when attempting to enable offline access in Google Docs.

In this case, you must disable offline access for the Google Docs account that it's currently activated for. To do that, you must sign into that particular Google Docs account. If that isn't possible (such as in the event that you don't know the exact account or aren't the owner of the account), then there's an alternative way — you must create a separate Chrome profile and use that instead.

To create another profile, click on the Chrome profile picture on the upper-right side of the Chrome window, and then click Manage People. On the pop-up window that shows up, click Add Person. You can then sign in with your Google Account credentials and enable offline mode in Google Docs.

Warning: Google Docs warns against the use of offline access in a shared environment due to potential privacy and security concerns in such an environment.

Google Sheets Offline Windows 10

Google Sheets Offline Windows

Technically speaking, other Chromium-based browsers (Opera, Brave, Vivaldi, Edge Chromium, etc.) should also support the Google Docs Offline extension. While I haven't tried this personally, Vlad Savov of The Verge seems to have the extension up and running in Brave without issues. It's something that you can look into if you use such a browser.

Also on Guiding Tech How to Install Chrome Extensions in Microsoft Edge Read More

2. Enable Google Docs Offline Extension

Already using Google Chrome? If you can't open documents in Google Docs when you are offline, then once again, make sure that you have the Google Docs Offline extension installed.

If you are absolutely sure that you have it installed, then head into the Extensions panel in Chrome and verify that it is enabled. To get to the Extensions panel, open the Chrome menu, point to More Tools, and then click Extensions.

3. Enable Offline Access in Docs or Drive

You have Chrome installed, and you have also verified that the Google Docs Offline extension is downloaded and activated. If you are still facing issues in getting Google Docs to kick in when offline, your next course of action should be to verify that offline access is enabled for Google Docs. And it's quite simple to do that.

Within the Home screen of Google Docs, just open the Docs menu, click Settings, and then turn on the toggle next to Offline.

In the event that it is already enabled, it's always a good idea to switch it off, and then back on again. Doing that tends to resolve any bugs associated with offline access.

4. Create New Chrome Profile

Are you in a shared environment? If so, a single Chrome profile will only support a single Google Docs account for offline syncing. This is usually denoted by the ‘Another user has already enabled offline access on this computer error' when attempting to enable offline access in Google Docs.

In this case, you must disable offline access for the Google Docs account that it's currently activated for. To do that, you must sign into that particular Google Docs account. If that isn't possible (such as in the event that you don't know the exact account or aren't the owner of the account), then there's an alternative way — you must create a separate Chrome profile and use that instead.

To create another profile, click on the Chrome profile picture on the upper-right side of the Chrome window, and then click Manage People. On the pop-up window that shows up, click Add Person. You can then sign in with your Google Account credentials and enable offline mode in Google Docs.

Warning: Google Docs warns against the use of offline access in a shared environment due to potential privacy and security concerns in such an environment.

Google Sheets Offline Windows 10

5. Manually Save Files Offline

Google Docs will only save your most recent files offline. This is done in an attempt to conserve local storage. If you want to be certain that a file that you want to work on is available without an internet connection, you must manually make it accessible offline.

Simply click the vertical ellipsis icon to the left (or to the bottom in grid-view) of a document within the Google Docs Home screen, and then flick on the switch next to Available Offline.

Alternatively, you can do the same while a document is open. To do that, click the File menu, and then click Make Available Offline.

6. Do Not Use Incognito Mode

Are you using Google Docs in Chrome's Incognito mode? Stop doing that. To start off with, all Chrome extensions are disabled by default in Incognito mode, which means that Google Docs won't have access to the Google Docs Offline extension to function properly.

And even in the event that you enable the extension for Incognito mode, Chrome will flush the browser cache whenever you exit it, which means that you won't be able to access any files that you've saved offline on subsequent visits.

If this sounds like something that you've been doing, then start using Google Docs outside of Incognito mode.

Tip: You can identify Incognito tabs by checking the upper-right corner of the Chrome window — if it reads ‘Incognito,' then you are in an Incognito tab. Also on Guiding Tech #troubleshooting Click here to see our troubleshooting articles page

7. Update Chrome

If you still face issues when attempting to load Google Docs when offline, it's best to update Chrome before we move any further. The latest releases usually carry loads of bug fixes, and considering that both products are from Google, a browser update is definitely warranted.

To do that, open the Chrome menu, point to Help, and then click About Google Chrome. If there are new updates available, Chrome should automatically install them. You will have to restart the browser to finalize any updates.

8. Clear Google Docs Cache

Often, an outdated browser cache can work against you. If you face specific errors when using Google Docs offline such as 'Checking offline sync status' or 'Offline setup failed,' or if attempting to make files available offline results in a stuck 'syncing' animation, then you must clear the cache.

The good news is that rather than clearing the entire browser cache and having to sign into just about everywhere from scratch, you can clear cached files related to just Google Docs.

Copy and paste the following path into the address bar of a new tab, and then press Enter. On the screen that shows up, click Remove All.

9. Use Docs Without Extensions

Often, conflicts with certain extensions can cause all sorts of problems in Chrome. If you run into intermittent issues where Google Docs fails to function properly when offline, then try to isolate any problematic extensions.

To do that, use Google Docs with all extensions except for the Google Docs Offline extension disabled. Head over to the Extensions screen (open Chrome menu, point to Tools, and then click Extensions) to disable your extensions.

If Google Docs then starts to work offline without issues, start re-enabling the extensions, either one by one or in batches, to identify the problematic add-on. Once you have it isolated, either remove the extension or keep it disabled for the moment and let the extension developer know about it.

10. Reset Chrome Settings

Often, improperly configured browser settings can wreak havoc. Usually, this is caused by using lots of extensions over time, although browser hijackers can also play a role. Try resetting Chrome to see if that would help Google Docs function effectively offline.

To do that, head into the Chrome Settings panel. Next, expand the option labeled Advanced on the left-pane, and then click Reset and Clean Up (labeled as 'Reset Settings' in Chrome for macOS). Finally, click Reset Settings to Their Original Defaults, and then click Reset Settings on the confirmation pop-up box.

Adobe premiere amd gpu support mac. Resetting Chrome will not remove your bookmarks or passwords. However, any pinned tabs, startup pages, search engines, etc., will be restored to their defaults. Click the Learn More link on the confirmation pop-up box for the full list of affected items.

Since all extensions are also disabled after the reset, make sure to re-enable the Google Docs Offline extension via the Extensions panel before checking to see if resetting the browser helped to resolve the issue.

11. Run Chrome Cleanup Tool

Another reason that Google Docs may fail to function normally is due to problematic browser extensions or hidden forms of malware. Although we just restored Chrome, it's always possible for malicious extensions and browser hijackers to still linger.

Thankfully, Chrome has its own malware cleanup tool (surprise!) that can help you get rid of them. Head over to the Chrome Settings panel, expand Advanced on the left page, click Reset and Clean Up, click Clean Up Computer, and then click Find to search for harmful software.

Note: The Clean Up Computer option is not present in the macOS version of Google Chrome. Also on Guiding Tech How to Insert YouTube Videos in Google Docs Read More

Back to Work

I hope that the troubleshooting tips above helped you fix the offline issues that you had with Google Docs. Most often than not, switching to Chrome, installing or enabling the Google Docs Offline extension, or clearing the Google Docs cache will help resolve these issues. While it's a downright pain to put some of the other tips into practice, getting Google Docs to function normally is well worth the trouble. It's that good.

Google Sheets Offline Mode

Next up: Now that you have Google Docs back to normal, ramp it up on the productivity side with this fantastic set of add-ons.


The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read Next5 Superb Google Docs Add-ons for WritersAlso See#google docs #productivity

Did You Know

The first animated Google Doodle was made in honor of Sir Isaac Newton.

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Google Sheet allows users to collaborate on a single spreadsheet without needing to save anything. And all edits are saved in real-time. But, several users are unable to take advantage of Sheets' primary feature and selling point. Many users complain that Google Sheets won't let them type or edit documents.

That means you can't collaborate with team members, and the entire process becomes tedious and time-consuming. There could be a host of reasons behind this error. We have figured out a few solutions that help to fix that.

Let's begin.

1. Basic Steps

These are simple steps that may help resolve some common bugs and errors that you may be facing while using Sheets. Refresh the page to reload the file and try again. Close the browser and launch it again. I don't see how rebooting the computer may help except freeing system resources but worth a try.

2. Quick Solution

Google Sheets Offline

A quick way to get around this problem is by using the Sheets app on your smartphone or tablet. That will not only allow you to work on the file and get work done, but also help clarify where the problem lies. For example, if you can type or edit inside Sheets in the mobile app but not in the browser, then you need to troubleshoot the browser.

Try a combination of different platforms (Android, iOS, web) and browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Brave) to find what's working and what's not. Skip to #8 to learn how to clear cache and data to fix the problem in both browser and mobile app.

3. Copy to New Sheets File

Another quick solution could be copying the content of the file to a new Sheets file. Just type 'sheets.new' in the address bar of a new browser tab to create a new file and try to copy-paste content. Permissions will totally lead to define whether you face the same error or not. Check if that works for you.

Also on Guiding Tech How to Easily Create Graphs and Charts on Google Sheets Read More

4. Working Offline

Do you have a stable internet connection? You can try a different Wi-Fi connection or mobile hotspot. There are two things you need to do in case you don't have access to the internet. One is to download and install Google Docs Offline extension for Chromium-based browsers. The other step is to enable Work Offline option for Sheets in Browser settings. Your work will save to your Google account when your PC connects to the internet again. So can you type and edit in Sheets while working in offline mode?

Download Google Docs Offline

5. Google Account

You need to sign in with your Google account before you can edit or type in Google Sheets. Of course, we often end up opening sheets with different domain accounts and that should work if they are part of the G Suite family.

Click on the View only button and you will see a message that specifically asks you to sign in using a Google account. Do so, refresh the page, and then check again if you can edit or type in Google Sheets.

6. Permission to View or Edit

Whether you can only view, comment, or edit a Sheet file also depends on the access permissions given to you. Usually, the Sheets document creator provides those permissions. It is possible that you are in view-only mode or can only comment on the file, but not edit and make changes.

That's another reason why Sheets won't let you type or edit. Send an email to the admin/creator and request editing access. Alternatively, you can click on the 'View Only' button and send a request for editing rights.

Also on Guiding Tech 7 Best Google Sheets Templates to Create Invoice for Free Read More

7. Extension Conflicts

I use a few extensions that help me with work and other browsing activities. At times, some extensions can cause conflicts. Open the Sheets file in Incognito mode and check if you can type or edit in it. If yes, you need to disable all extensions/add-ons and re-enable them one at a time to find the culprit.

Using Google Sheets Offline Windows 10

You can also enable half the extensions at once. Then you will know if the conflict Is due to which half and repeat the process (8 > 4 > 2 > 1) until you are left with one. Get an extension manager for your extensions and it will make your life much easier.

8. Cache and Data Issue

App data and cache files could be responsible for the error. That is true for both web and mobile app of Sheets. Steps may vary a little depending on the browser or make and model of your phone.

Here are steps for the browser. Open Settings and under Advanced or Additional settings, you will find Privacy and security heading. Click on Clear browsing data here.

Select 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files' options under the Advanced tab. You can also choose Time range to pick between days, weeks, and more. Note that performing this process will sign you out of all sites and services open in the browser. So make sure to save everything before moving forward.

Sign back into your Google account and open the Sheets file. Does Sheets let you type or edit now?

Here are the steps for Android phones. Open Settings and go to Apps > Manage apps > Sheets app. Waves mercury aax crack mac.

Tap on Clear data and select both options one at a time. Sign back in and check if you can type or edit in Sheets.

Time Sheets

Tough times call for tough actions. Google Sheets has aged well and works really well until it doesn't. The solutions mentioned above are pretty easy to follow and should have worked. If you found another way to fix Sheets typing and editing error, do share with us in the comments below.

Google Docs Offline Download

Next up:Are you a small business owner? Here are 11 Google Sheets templates for business owners to help you with managing various aspects of your business.


The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextTop 11 Google Sheets Templates for BusinessAlso See#google apps #troubleshooting

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