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Protecting spreadsheets with a password

Protect spreadsheets with a password​

The Spreadsheet Editor offers two ways to protect your work: encrypt the entire file with a password, or protect specific parts of a workbook or sheet from edits.

Encrypt file​

Encrypting a file requires anyone opening it to enter the correct password before they can view or edit its contents.

  1. Tap the Settings icon Tools icon in the right corner of the top toolbar.

  2. Tap the arrow next to the Protection icon Protection menu option.

  3. Tap Encrypt file.

  4. Enter the password and verify it.

    Encrypt file

    Warning

    The password cannot be restored. Keep it in a safe place so you don't forget it.

  5. Tap Save in the upper right corner to apply the password.

Next time you open this spreadsheet, you'll need to enter the password.

To change or delete the password:

  1. Tap the Settings icon Tools icon in the right corner of the top toolbar.
  2. Tap the arrow next to Protection and choose Encrypt file.
  3. To delete the password, disable the Set password switcher.
  4. To change the password, enter and verify the new one.
  5. Tap Save in the upper right corner.

Protect workbook​

Protecting a workbook prevents structural changes — like adding, deleting, hiding, or reordering sheets — without the correct password.

  1. Tap the Settings icon Tools icon in the right corner of the top toolbar.
  2. Tap the arrow next to Protection.
  3. Tap Protect and choose Protect workbook.
  4. Enter the password and verify it.
  5. Tap Save in the upper right corner.

Protect sheet​

Protecting a sheet lets you lock specific elements while still allowing other users to perform certain actions you specify.

  1. Tap the Settings icon Tools icon in the right corner of the top toolbar.

  2. Tap the arrow next to Protection.

  3. Tap Protect and choose Protect sheet.

  4. Enable the Set password switcher and enter your password.

    Protect sheet menu

  5. Under Allow all users of this sheet to, enable the actions you want to permit:

    • Select locked cells
    • Select unlocked cells
    • Format cells
    • Format columns
    • Format rows
    • Insert columns
    • Insert rows
    • Insert link
    • Delete columns
    • Delete rows
    • Sort
    • Use AutoFilter
    • Use PivotTable and PivotChart
    • Edit Objects
    • Edit Scenarios

  6. Tap Save in the upper right corner.