Issues editing Google Docs, Sheets, Slides & Forms

If you have trouble opening or editing Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms, you can try some of the steps below.

Note: If you have a problem with Google Drive, like uploading files or syncing documents, see the Google Drive Help Center.

Steps to try first

Refresh the page

If you can’t open or edit a file, try to refresh the page. Choose your browser below:

• Google Chrome: At the top left, click Reload this page .
• Safari: View  Reload page.
• Firefox: At the top, click Reload current page  .
• Internet Explorer: On your keyboard, press F5.
• Microsoft Edge: On your keyboard, press F5.

Open your file in a different browser

What to check

• Make sure your browser is up to date. Learn more about which browsers you can use with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms.

What you can try

• Open your file on another computer or with a different web browser, like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Check how the file is shared

If you’re trying to edit a file that is "View only," you might not have access. If you can’t edit a file in Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides, click here.

Check the format of the file

• You might need to convert the file to a Google format. Learn how to convert files to work with Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
• You might not have access to a Google Form. If you can’t fill out a form that someone sent you.

Try a smaller file

Make sure your file doesn’t go over the Google Docs Editors size limits.

Learn how large Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides can be.

Advanced steps to try

Turn off browser plugins and extensions

Sometimes browser extensions and plugins can cause problems with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms.

To learn how, coose your browser:

• Chrome
• Safari
• Firefox
• Internet Explorer
• Microsoft Edge

Clear cache and cookies

To find out how to clear your cache and cookies, find your browser below:

• Chrome
• Safari
• Firefox
• Internet Explorer
• Microsoft Edge

Turn offline settings off and on again

You can work on your files offline, depending on your settings. Learn more about working on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides offline.

If you have offline access turned on, you can try to turn it off and on again.

1. On your computer, open the Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides home screen.
2. In the top left, click Menu .
3. Click Settings.
4. If "Offline" is on, turn it off.

Check for a computer firewall

If there is a firewall, have a domain or network administrator help you with firewall or server settings.