{"id":7071,"date":"2017-11-13T10:57:41","date_gmt":"2017-11-13T09:57:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sheetgo.com\/?p=7071"},"modified":"2026-10-28T15:18:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T14:18:50","slug":"proteger-des-cellules-ou-des-pages-dans-google-sheets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/blog\/google-sheets-features\/protect-cells-or-pages-in-google-sheets\/","title":{"rendered":"Comment verrouiller des cellules et prot\u00e9ger des feuilles dans Google Sheets"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

With the advent of the Internet and cloud-based technology, collaboration and information exchange have become a breeze.\u00a0Google Sheets<\/a>\u00a0has been the leader in the spreadsheets space. As easy as it has become to work on these ubiquitous applications, it is equally secure the data on the Google Sheets files. This article explains the procedure to\u00a0protect cells or pages in Google Sheets.<\/p>\n

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To lock cells in Google Sheets, you protect them. Pick a range, a row, a column, or a whole sheet tab, then decide who can still edit it, or let people edit after a warning. Excel also lets you lock cells, but the steps are different there. See how to lock and protect an Excel workbook<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Why protect cells or pages in Google Sheets?<\/h2>\n

Most of us use Google Sheets because of the ease with which we can share the spreadsheet files with others. While this has made our work life easier, it also comes with certain concerns. Let us consider an example. A VP of sales in a retail store chain wants to have the sales figures from all the regions in one spreadsheet. Accordingly, he has shared the file to his sales team where each sales manager inputs the sales data corresponding to his\/her region. A summary sheet consolidates the data into one place, where he gets to compare the performance across regions.<\/p>\n

While all of this is in place, the VP doesn\u2019t want his sales team to accidentally manipulate any formulas or numbers on the summary sheet. This scenario definitely calls for a solution that can protect cells or pages in Google Sheets. We explain how to do this below. Here\u2019s how the summary sheet looks like.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/protect-cells-in-Google-Sheets-1.png” alt=”Protect cells in Google Sheets \u2014 All Regions summary sheet with customers and monthly revenue for regions A, B and C” title_text=”All Regions summary sheet with customers and monthly revenue for regions A, B and C” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-lock-cells-in-google-sheets” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

How to lock cells in Google Sheets<\/h2>\n

There are two ways to open the protection settings for a cell: the right-click menu and the Data menu. Both lead to the same sidebar.<\/p>\n

Use the right-click menu<\/h3>\n

1.<\/strong> Right-click the cell you want to lock and go to View more cell actions > Protect range.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-cells-google-sheets-right-click-protect-range.webp” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Protect range under View more cell actions in the right-click menu of cell B4″ title_text=”Protect range under View more cell actions in the right-click menu of cell B4″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

2.<\/strong> In the sidebar that appears, click \u201c+ Add a sheet or range\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-cells-google-sheets-add-sheet-or-range.webp” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Add a sheet or range in the Protected sheets and ranges sidebar” title_text=”Add a sheet or range in the Protected sheets and ranges sidebar” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

3. <\/strong>Confirm the cell you want to lock matches the value in the sidebar (B4 in the example) and click \u201cSet permissions\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-cells-google-sheets-set-permissions-b4.webp” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 range Sheet1!B4 in the sidebar with the Set permissions button” title_text=”Range Sheet1!B4 in the sidebar with the Set permissions button” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

4. <\/strong>Confirm that \u201cOnly you\u201d is selected from the drop menu in the window and click \u201cDone\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-cells-google-sheets-only-you.webp” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Restrict who can edit this range set to Only you” title_text=”Restrict who can edit this range set to Only you” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Use the Data menu<\/h3>\n

You can also go to Data > Protect sheets and ranges. The screenshots below come from an older version of Google Sheets, where the menu item was called Protected sheets and ranges.<\/p>\n

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The VP is looking to protect the cells A1 through C4 which contain information that should not be changed. To do so, we navigate to\u00a0Data > Protected sheets and ranges<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/protect-cells-in-Google-Sheets-2.png” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Protected sheets and ranges at the bottom of the Data menu” title_text=”Protected sheets and ranges at the bottom of the Data menu” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

In doing so, we see sidebar on the right side of the screen. Now we click on the Add sheet or range<\/strong>\u00a0button.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/protect-cells-in-Google-Sheets-3.png” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Add a sheet or range at the top of the Protected sheets and ranges sidebar” title_text=”Add a sheet or range at the top of the Protected sheets and ranges sidebar” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Now, we give a description of our choice to explain what this means if we ever came back to it in the future. We ensure that\u00a0Range<\/strong>\u00a0button is clicked and the corresponding field shows\u00a0\u2018All Regions\u2019!A1:C4<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/protect-cells-in-Google-Sheets-4.png” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 description Summary_Figures and range All Regions A1:C4 in the sidebar” title_text=”Description Summary_Figures and range All Regions A1:C4 in the sidebar” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Now we click on the\u00a0Set permissions<\/strong>\u00a0button. On the options window that pops us, we can set the permissions of our choice. We may either choose to just configure it to show a warning message when another user tries to change a protected cell. Or, we can set it so that no one can edit these cells. Or even set a custom list of users who can edit the cells. In this case, we leave it as shown in the image below. Finally, we click on the\u00a0Done<\/strong>\u00a0button.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/protect-cells-in-Google-Sheets-5.png” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Range editing permissions dialog with Restrict who can edit this range and Only you” title_text=”Range editing permissions dialog with Restrict who can edit this range and Only you” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-lock-a-row-or-column-so-others-ca” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

How to lock a row or column so others can’t edit it<\/h2>\n

Rows and columns lock the same way as cells. The only difference is where you right-click: on the row number or on the column letter.<\/p>\n

Lock a row<\/h3>\n

1.<\/strong> Right-click the number of the row you want to lock and go to View more row actions > Protect range.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-row-google-sheets-protect-range.webp” alt=”Lock a row in Google Sheets \u2014 Protect range under View more row actions for row 4″ title_text=”Protect range under View more row actions for row 4″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

2. <\/strong>Confirm the row you want to lock matches the value in the sidebar (4:4 in the example) and click \u201cSet permissions\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-row-google-sheets-set-permissions.webp” alt=”Lock a row in Google Sheets \u2014 range Sheet1!4:4 in the sidebar with Set permissions” title_text=”Range Sheet1!4:4 in the sidebar with Set permissions” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

3. <\/strong>Confirm that \u201cOnly you\u201d is selected from the drop menu in the window and click \u201cDone\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-row-google-sheets-only-you.webp” alt=”Lock a row in Google Sheets \u2014 Range editing permissions set to Only you for row 4″ title_text=”Range editing permissions set to Only you for row 4″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Lock a column<\/h3>\n

The same steps apply if you want to lock\/protect a column in Google Sheets:<\/p>\n

1. <\/strong>Right-click the letter of the column you want to lock and go to View more column actions > Protect range.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-column-google-sheets-protect-range.webp” alt=”Lock a column in Google Sheets \u2014 Protect range under View more column actions for column B” title_text=”Protect range under View more column actions for column B” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

2. <\/strong>Confirm the column you want to lock matches the value in the sidebar (B:B in the example) and click \u201cSet permissions\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-column-google-sheets-set-permissions.webp” alt=”Lock a column in Google Sheets \u2014 range Sheet1!B:B in the sidebar with Set permissions” title_text=”Range Sheet1!B:B in the sidebar with Set permissions” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong> Confirm that \u201cOnly you\u201d is selected from the drop menu in the window and click \u201cDone\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-column-google-sheets-only-you.webp” alt=”Lock a column in Google Sheets \u2014 Range editing permissions set to Only you for column B” title_text=”Range editing permissions set to Only you for column B” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

To keep a row or column on screen while you scroll, rather than stop edits, freeze it instead. See how to freeze rows and columns<\/a> in Google Sheets.<\/p>\n

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How to protect a sheet in Google Sheets<\/h2>\n

Protecting a sheet locks one tab of your spreadsheet. The other tabs stay editable unless you protect them too.<\/p>\n

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There can be other instances when we want to protect an entire sheet or almost all of it. In this case, we can opt for the Sheet button as shown in the image below. We can even exempt cells that we do not want to protect from the protected sheet.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/protect-cells-in-Google-Sheets-7.png” alt=”Protect a sheet in Google Sheets \u2014 Sheet tab of the sidebar with All Regions picked and Except certain cells” title_text=”Sheet tab of the sidebar with All Regions picked and Except certain cells” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”from-the-sheet-tab” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

From the sheet tab<\/h3>\n

You can also start from the tab at the bottom of the screen:<\/p>\n

1. <\/strong>Right-click the tab of the sheet you want to lock and choose Protect sheet.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/protect-sheet-google-sheets-tab-menu.webp” alt=”Protect a sheet in Google Sheets \u2014 Protect sheet in the menu of the Sheet1 tab” title_text=”Protect sheet in the menu of the Sheet1 tab” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

2.<\/strong> Confirm the sheet you want to lock matches the value in the sidebar (\u201cSheet1\u201d in the example) and click \u201cSet permissions\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/protect-sheet-google-sheets-except-certain-cells.webp” alt=”Protect a sheet in Google Sheets \u2014 Sheet option with Sheet1 and the Except certain cells checkbox” title_text=”Sheet option with Sheet1 and the Except certain cells checkbox” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

3. <\/strong>Confirm that \u201cOnly you\u201d is selected from the drop menu in the window and click \u201cDone\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/protect-sheet-google-sheets-only-you.webp” alt=”Protect a sheet in Google Sheets \u2014 Range editing permissions set to Only you for Sheet1″ title_text=”Range editing permissions set to Only you for Sheet1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”choose-who-can-edit-or-only-show-a-warni” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Choose who can edit, or only show a warning<\/h2>\n

When you click \u201cSet permissions\u201d while locking a cell, the window that opens is called \u201cRange editing permissions\u201d.<\/p>\n

This window allows you to choose who can edit your chosen cell or to leave a warning message for other users. The following steps will show you how to give editing permission to other users:<\/p>\n

1. <\/strong>Follow the first three steps of the right-click method under How to lock cells in Google Sheets, above.<\/p>\n

2. <\/strong>When the \u201cRange editing permissions\u201d window opens, click the drop menu containing \u201cOnly you\u201d and select \u201cCustom\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-cells-google-sheets-custom-editors.webp” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Custom in the drop-down menu under Restrict who can edit this range” title_text=”Custom in the drop-down menu under Restrict who can edit this range” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong> In the box labeled \u201cAdd editors:\u201d, insert the names of the users to whom you want to give permission and click “Done”. These users can now edit your chosen cell too.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-cells-google-sheets-add-editors.webp” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Add editors box with an email address under Custom” title_text=”Add editors box with an email address under Custom” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Now, what happens when another user tries to edit one of these protected cells? Here\u2019s how it prevents them.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/protect-cells-in-Google-Sheets-6.png” alt=”Protect cells in Google Sheets \u2014 There was a problem message for someone who edits a protected cell” title_text=”There was a problem message for someone who edits a protected cell” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

To leave a warning message for other users when the Range editing permissions menu is open, select \u201cShow a warning when editing this range\u201d and click \u201cDone\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lock-cells-google-sheets-show-warning.webp” alt=”Lock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Show a warning when editing this range selected” title_text=”Show a warning when editing this range selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Although other users can still edit the contents of your chosen cell, the warning informs them that you want to protect this value.<\/p>\n

You can also warn or reject users from editing important formulas within your Google Sheet. Often there are several cells that impact a formula used within Google Sheets – one accidental edit can impact the entire function. Protect the cells your formulas depend on, with a warning or a restriction, so one stray edit can’t break the calculation.<\/p>\n

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How to unlock cells in Google Sheets<\/h2>\n

To unlock a cell that you have locked, follow these four simple steps:<\/p>\n

1. <\/strong>Go to Data > Protect sheets and ranges.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/unlock-cells-google-sheets-data-menu.webp” alt=”Unlock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Protect sheets and ranges in the Data menu” title_text=”Protect sheets and ranges in the Data menu” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

2. <\/strong>Click the locked cell in the sidebar at the right side of your screen.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/unlock-cells-google-sheets-protected-list.webp” alt=”Unlock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Sheet1 listed in the Protected sheets and ranges sidebar” title_text=”Sheet1 listed in the Protected sheets and ranges sidebar” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

3. <\/strong>Click the trash can symbol beside the description box.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/unlock-cells-google-sheets-trash-icon.webp” alt=”Unlock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 trash icon next to the description of the protected sheet” title_text=”Trash icon next to the description of the protected sheet” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

4. <\/strong>Confirm the unlocking by clicking “Remove”.<\/p>\n

Excel works the other way around: every cell starts out locked, and the lock only applies once you protect the sheet. Here’s how to unlock cells in Excel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/unlock-cells-google-sheets-remove-dialog.webp” alt=”Unlock cells in Google Sheets \u2014 Remove button in the dialog that confirms removing a protected range” title_text=”Remove button in the dialog that confirms removing a protected range” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

This is how you protect cells or pages in Google Sheets! Feel free to read the following blog posts and learn how to only temporarily share your spreadsheet data with others <\/a>or how to name ranges or cells in Google Sheets.<\/a><\/p>\n

If you want a whole team to edit the file instead, see how to make Google Sheets editable by multiple users<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Protected ranges stop edits, but anyone you share the file with can still see it. To keep people from opening the data at all, see how to password protect a Google Sheet<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In Excel, you can lock sheets and whole files with a password. If you later need to edit one of them, here is how to remove a password from Excel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the advent of the Internet and cloud-based technology, collaboration and information exchange have become a breeze.\u00a0Google Sheets\u00a0has been the leader in the spreadsheets space. As easy as it has become to work on these ubiquitous applications, it is equally secure the data on the Google Sheets files. This article explains the procedure to\u00a0protect cells […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":7072,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

With the advent of the Internet and cloud-based technology, collaboration and information exchange have become a breeze. Google Sheets has been the leader in the spreadsheets space. As easy as it has become to work on these ubiquitous applications, it is equally secure the data on the Google Sheets files. This article explains the procedure to\u00a0protect cells or pages in Google Sheets.<\/p>

Why protect cells or pages in Google Sheets?<\/h3>

Most of us use Google Sheets because of the ease with which we can share the spreadsheet files with others. While this has made our work life easier, it also comes with certain concerns. Let us consider an example. A VP of sales in a retail store chain wants to have the sales figures from all the regions in one spreadsheet. Accordingly, he has shared the file to his sales team where each sales manager inputs the sales data corresponding to his\/her region. A summary sheet consolidates the data into one place, where he gets to compare the performance across regions.<\/p>

While all of this is in place, the VP doesn't want his sales team to accidentally manipulate any formulas or numbers on the summary sheet. This scenario definitely calls for a solution that can protect cells or pages in Google Sheets. We explain how to do this below. Here's how the summary sheet looks like.<\/p>

Example<\/strong> \"Protect<\/p>

The VP is looking to protect the cells A1 through C4 which contain information that should not be changed. To do so, we navigate to Data > Protected sheets and ranges<\/strong>.<\/p>

Example<\/strong> \"Protect[\/panel]<\/p>

In doing so, we see sidebar on the right side of the screen. Now we click on the 'Add sheet or range<\/strong>' button.<\/p>

Example<\/strong> \"Protect<\/p>

Now, we give a description of our choice to explain what this means if we ever came back to it in the future. We ensure that Range<\/strong> button is clicked and the corresponding field shows\u00a0'All Regions'!A1:C4<\/strong>.<\/p>

Example<\/strong> \"Protect<\/p>

Now we click on the Set permissions<\/strong> button. On the options window that pops us, we can set the permissions of our choice. We may either choose to just configure it to show a warning message when another user tries to change a protected cell. Or, we can set it so that no one can edit these cells. Or even set a custom list of users who can edit the cells. In this case, we leave it as shown in the image below. Finally, we click on the Done<\/strong> button.<\/p>

Example<\/strong> \"Protect<\/p>

Now, what happens when another user tries to edit one of these protected cells? Here's how it prevents them.<\/p>

Example<\/strong> \"Protect<\/p>

There can be other instances when we want to protect an entire sheet or almost all of it. In this case, we can opt for the Sheet button as shown in the image below. We can even exempt cells that we do not want to protect from the protected sheet.<\/p>

Example<\/strong> \"Protect<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[39,28],"class_list":["post-7071","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-google-sheets-features","tag-connections-t","tag-spreadsheets"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7071"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7071\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}