How To Lock Cells In Google Sheets? (Updated for 2025)

Ever shared a Google Sheet with your client or team, only to find your carefully crafted formulas have mysteriously altered or your important data overwritten?

We know how frustrating this can be! So, that’s exactly why learning how to lock cells in Google Sheets is a must.

From needing to protect formulas and restricting edits to simply keeping your data clean and secure, locking cells gives you the control to manage access and maintain accuracy.

So, how can you lock cells in Google Sheets to ensure your spreadsheets stay the way you intended?

Luckily, Google Sheets offers an innovative and simple way to protect your data by allowing you to lock specific cells.

This built-in Google Sheets feature is especially valuable when working with collaborators.

By locking cells in Google Sheets, your important formulas and values always stay untouched, even if others can update other areas of the spreadsheet!

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for how you can lock individual cells or ranges in Google Sheets:

1. Select the cell(s) you want to lock, then right-click.
2. In the menu that appears, scroll down and select ‘View more cell actions’.
3. Click ‘Protect range’ to open the protected sheets and ranges sidebar.
4. In the sidebar, click ‘Add a sheet or range’.
5. Manually enter the cell range (e.g., A1:B5) or select the range directly in the sheet.
6. Give this protected range a custom description for easy reference (optional).
7. Click ‘Set permissions’.
8. Define who can edit the selected range, such as restricting access to specific users or allowing only you to make changes.
9. Click ‘Done’.

And it’s that simple! Your selected cells are now locked, meaning your data is safe from accidental edits!

Check out this video guide explaining how to lock cells in Google Sheets.

Formulas are the backbone of your spreadsheets, so protecting them from accidental edits is key!

Locking formula cells in Google Sheets ensures your carefully structured formulas stay intact, even when others have access to your spreadsheet data.

Here's a clear, step-by-step guide to help you keep your formulas safe at all times:

Select the cells with the formulas you want to protect.

Right-click, then click ‘View more cell actions’ in the dropdown menu.

Click ‘Protect range’ to open the protection settings panel on the right side.

In the side panel, click ‘Add a sheet or range’ to specify which cells to lock.

Manually enter the cell references (e.g., C2:C10) or highlight the cells directly in the sheet.

Name the protected range for easier identification if you wish.

Click ‘Set permissions’ to choose who can edit the locked cells.

Under ‘Range editing permissions,’ select ‘Custom’ to control access more precisely.

Add the email addresses of those who should have editing rights (everyone else won’t be able to make changes).

Once everything’s set, click ‘Done.’

And that’s it! You can now wave goodbye to accidental changes or broken calculations, as your formula cells are locked, ensuring your data stays accurate!

Sometimes, locking a few cells simply isn’t enough. What if you want to lock the entire spreadsheet? Is it possible?

The short answer is yes! Locking the full Google Sheets spreadsheet ensures no one can make accidental (or intentional) edits.

And the good news is that locking an entire sheet is just as simple as protecting individual cells. To lock an entire sheet in Google Sheets:

1. Click the correct sheet tab at the bottom of your Google Sheet (the one you want to protect).
2. Open the ‘Protect sheets and ranges’ sidebar as shown above.
3. Click ‘Add a sheet or range’.
4. Select the entire sheet.
5. Click ‘Set permissions’.
6. Choose who can edit it (or restrict access to just yourself).
7. Click ‘Done.’

And now your entire sheet is locked and safe from unwanted changes!

Additionally, if you’re short on time or regularly protecting data, keyboard shortcuts can save you serious time.

Here’s a faster way to lock cells (without digging through menus):

1. Highlight the cells you want to lock (use your mouse or press Shift + Arrow keys).
2. On Windows, press ‘Alt + D’ to open the Data menu. On Mac, press ‘Option + D’.
3. Press ‘Alt + R (or Option + R)’ to open the protected sheets and ranges sidebar.
4. Click ‘Add a range or sheet’.
5. Enter a description if needed.
6. Click ‘Set permissions.’
7. Choose who can edit the selected cells.

Using these shortcuts ultimately makes protecting your sheets quicker and more efficient.

Need to make changes to previously locked cells? Well, guess what? Unlocking them is just as simple as protecting them in the first place!

The processing of unlocking cells within Google Sheets is essentially the reverse of locking cells. Here’s how you can do it:

Go to the top menu and click ‘Data > Protect sheets and ranges’.

Alternatively, right-click any cell, then choose ‘View more cell actions > Protect range’.

In the sidebar that appears, find and click the protected range or sheet you want to unlock.

Click the trash can icon next to the protected item to remove the protection.

And that’s it! In just a few seconds, your cells are now fully editable again.

Cell locking in Google Sheets is a built-in feature that essentially lets you protect specific cells or entire ranges from unwanted edits. 

It’s especially useful when you’re working with a team or external clients and want to safeguard data like formulas, budgets, or numbers from accidental or unauthorized changes.

By locking cells, you retain complete control over your sheet’s integrity while still allowing others to view or contribute in designated areas!

Spreadsheets are powerful, but also painfully easy to mess up! Just one wrong formula, an accidental overwrite, or a misstep in data entry can throw everything off.

That’s where Sheetify steps in to save the day.

I essentially created three essential business toolkits purpose-built for small business owners wanting the power of Google Sheets without the chaos.

Meet Sheetify CRM, Sheetify Bookkeeping, and Sheetify Projects. 

These Google Sheets templates can help you effectively manage various areas of your business within your favorite spreadsheet tool. 

From managing customer-related activities and sales, emails, finances, projects, tasks, and more, these customizable yet simple Google Sheets templates can do it all.

Designed with built-in automations, smart formulas, and visual dashboards, Sheetify transforms your spreadsheets into streamlined, professional-grade tools.

The best part? There’s no coding, confusing setups, monthly subscriptions, or hidden fees, just intuitive, affordable, customizable templates and features that grow with your business.

Sheetify can help you stay organized, save time, and avoid costly spreadsheet slip-ups.

Learn more about Sheetify business toolkits here.