Protecting spreadsheets with a password

You can control access to a spreadsheet by setting a password that is required to enter the editing mode by your co-authors. The password can be changed or removed later on. There are two ways to password protect your spreadsheet: using the Protection tab or the File tab.

The password cannot be restored if you lose or forget it. Please keep it in a safe place.

Setting a password using the Protection tab

• go to the Protection tab, and click the Encrypt button.
• in the Set Password window that opens, enter and confirm the password you will use to access this file. Click to show or hide password characters when entered.

  

• click OK to confirm.
• the Encrypt button on the top toolbar displays with an arrow when the file is encrypted. Click the arrow if you want to change or delete your password.

  

Changing a password

• go to the Protection tab at the top toolbar,
• click the Encrypt button and select the Change password option from the drop-down list,
• set a password in the Password field and repeat it in the Repeat password field below, then click OK.

  

Deleting a password

• go to the Protection tab at the top toolbar,
• click the Encrypt button and select the Delete password option from the drop-down list.

Setting a password using the File tab.

• go to the File tab at the top toolbar,
• choose the Protect option,
• click the Add password button,
• set a password in the Password field and repeat it in the Repeat password field below, then click OK.

Changing a password

• go to the File tab at the top toolbar,
• choose the Protect option,
• click the Change password button,
• set a password in the Password field and repeat it in the Repeat password field below, then click OK.

Deleting a password

• go to the File tab at the top toolbar,
• choose the Protect option,
• click the Delete password button.