Google Sheets app not working on Android? Check these solutions

Google Sheets on Android are good enough to make small edits and track changes while on the move. Sadly, some users report that Google Sheets are not working for them on their handheld devices. For some, Google Sheets are not loading files, while the app keeps crashing for others.

We have a few solutions to suggest so make sure to check them out below. Hopefully, they’ll be enough to fix the issue. If not, we have a few workarounds to recommend, as well.

Table of contents:

1. Force close the app and try again
2. Clear local data from Google Sheets
3. Reinstall Google Sheets
4. Make sure you have permission to access the file
5. Sign out and sign in with your Google Account
6. Check Google Sheets in Google Drive
7. Use Google Sheets in the browser

Google Sheets not loading on the Android

1. Force close the app and try again

The best way to start troubleshooting of third-party app is to force close it and give it another try. This should work most of the time if a certain app isn’t loading. You can do this either from the Recents menu or in Settings > Apps > All apps > Sheets. Once there, tap Force Close.

You can also restart your device and check Google Sheets again. If that doesn’t help and you are stuck waiting for sheets to load or the app crashes, check the next step on the list.

2. Clear local data from Google Sheets

The next step you can try is to clear the local data from Google Sheets. Although rare, there are cases where the app starts misbehaving after some time, and the simplest way to restart it is to clear all local data. Not to mention that data corruption is a possibility, too.

This applies to Google Sheets, although the app doesn’t store a lot of data locally unless you choose to make files accessible offline.

Here’s how to clear local data from Google Sheets on Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Expand All apps.
4. Open Sheets from the list of available apps.
5. Select Storage.
6. Clear data and restart your device.

3. Reinstall Google Sheets

Alternatively, you can also reinstall Google Sheets on your device. If the previous step fails and clearing data doesn’t solve the problem, you should always go for the reinstall. That way, you’ll also automatically update the app to the latest iteration.

So, with that in mind, here’s how to reinstall Google Sheets on Android:

1. Tap & hold on to the Sheets icon and then tap Uninstall from the contextual menu.
2. Restart your device and open the Play Store.
3. Install Google Sheets again and check for improvements.

4. Make sure you have permission to access the file

If you are accessing sheets shared with you by other users, make sure that they haven’t revoked the permission. In case you don’t have permission to access a file, you’ll be notified.

If you are sure that you have permission to access a file, but Google Sheets are still not working, try removing and adding your Google Account.

5. Sign out and sign in with your Google Account

Like all Google Services, Google Sheets are associated with the Google Account you set up on your Android device. And, sometimes account-related issues might be the reason why Google Sheets won’t load or sync at all on your Android device.

So, the next step we suggest is to remove your Google Account and add it again. Once you sign in again, test Google Sheets.

Here’s how to remove your Google Account on your Android smartphone or tablet:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Accounts. You need to open Manage accounts on some devices.
3. Now choose Google.
4. Remove the Google account.
5. Reboot your device and sign in again.
6. Skip restoring apps from the backup, accept terms, and check if Google Sheets are working.

In case Google Sheets are still not working, we have a few workarounds to recommend.

6. Check Google Sheets in Google Drive

If you can’t access Google Sheets in the app, try accessing Sheets in Google Drive. Although you won’t be able to edit files without the Sheets app, you can at least view them.

If that doesn’t fit your requirements, you can always use Google Sheets in a browser.

7. Use Google Sheets in the browser

Finally, you can use Google Sheets in any browser with desktop mode. Once in a browser, look for Google Sheets, tap on the 3-dot menu, and select the Desktop site.

Log in with your account and use Google Sheets just like you would on your PC.

That should do it. Thank you for reading and, if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to share them with us in the comments section below.

Editor’s note: This article was initially published in November 20212. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.