How To Lock Cells In Google Sheets? (Updated for 2026)

Here’s an in-depth guide on 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.

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

1. Select the cells with the formulas you want to protect.
2. Right-click, then click ‘View more cell actions’ in the dropdown menu.
3. Click ‘Protect range’ to open the protection settings panel on the right side.
4. In the side panel, click ‘Add a sheet or range’ to specify which cells to lock.
5. Manually enter the cell references (e.g., C2:C10) or highlight the cells directly in the sheet.
6. Name the protected range for easier identification if you wish.
7. Click ‘Set permissions’ to choose who can edit the locked cells.
8. Under ‘Range editing permissions,’ select ‘Custom’ to control access more precisely.
9. Add the email addresses of those who should have editing rights (everyone else won’t be able to make changes).
10. Once everything’s set, click ‘Done.’

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!

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.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to the top menu and click ‘Data > Protect sheets and ranges’.
2. Alternatively, right-click any cell, then choose ‘View more cell actions > Protect range’.
3. In the sidebar that appears, find and click the protected range or sheet you want to unlock.
4. Click the trash can icon next to the protected item to remove the protection.