Can you put a lock on google sheets?

Google Sheets are automatically saved onto your Google Drive, so it’s easy to assume that they’re backed-up and secure in the Cloud. But for important data, it’s recommended that you add an extra layer of security to your important spreadsheets.

After all, if someone gained access to your phone or computer, it wouldn’t be hard for them to gain access to your Google Drive.

So, while Google doesn’t yet let you password-protect your Sheets, here’s a guide to how you can encrypt and decrypt your data, keeping your info safe from cybercriminals.

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If you’re setting up a password protect for the first time, you have to set up your password first. Unfortunately, Google won’t let you password protect your Sheets. However, you can encrypt your Sheet using third party tools.

One such example is Skipser, which will encrypt your data in a document and secure it with a password.

Step 1. Open skipser.com.

Step 2. Download this ProtectedSheet template and enter your data in it from the third row.

Step 3. Go to Tools and select Script Editor which will open in a new window.

Step 4. From here, click the drop down menu next to Deploy, and select Manage deployments.

Step 5. In Configuration click Create deployment and click Deploy. 

Step 6. Authorize access and click Done.

How to Encrypt Data in Google Sheets

Step 1. Go back into your Sheet.

Step 2. Go to the top navigation and click Protect File. 

Step 3. From the drop-down, select Encrypt file. 

Step 4. In the pop-up that appears, enter a new password and click OK.

How to Open and Decrypt Protected Sheet

Step 1. Go into the Sheet.

Step 2. Click on Protect file in the top navigation.

Step 3. Select Decrypt File. 

Step 4. In the pop-up window that appears, enter your password.

Step 5. You will now be able to see your data.

Step 6. When you’re finished, go back into the Protect File option and encrypt your Sheet again.

How to Change Your Password

Step 1. Go back into your Sheet and click Protect file from the top navigation.

Step 2. Select Change Password from the menu.

Step 3. Enter your new password and click Submit. 

Additional Reading: Gmail/Workspace (previously G-Suite) Update History

How to Access Protected Sheets on Your Phone

It’s currently not possible to select the Protect File option from the mobile version of Google Sheets.

Instead, the encrypted URL of your sheet will be found in the first row of your sheet.

Step 1. Open the sheet on your phone.

Step 2. Click on the encrypt/decrypt URL on the first row of your sheet.

Step 3. You will now need to enter your password.

Additional Reading: How to Chat on Google Docs

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In Summary

Google Sheets is where we store some of our most valuable numbers – our bank details, social security numbers, passwords, and access codes. Yet we often rely on our one Google Password to keep all our documents safe.

By spending just a few moments encrypting our Sheets, we can rest assured that our valuable information is kept secure.

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