If you receive a 'You need access' message when you try to open a file in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Vids or Forms, it means that you don't have permission to view the file.
This article explains how access to Google files works and describes your options to get access.
Learn about access levels
The owner of a Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Vids or Forms file can choose how to share it:
- Anyone with the link can open it: Shared with everyone.
- Restricted: Shared with specific accounts.
The file owner can also choose what level of access they share with you:
- Viewer: You can find the file, but you can't change or add comments.
- Commenter: You can add comments and make suggestions, but you can't change the file's content.
- Editor: You can make changes to the file, accept or reject suggestions, and add comments.
Request file access
If you can't open a file, you can ask the owner to give you access.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the file.
- Tap Request access.
Tip: The file owner gets an email with your request. If your request is approved and you're notified, you get an email on the account that you requested access to with a link to the file.
Fix issues with file access
To get access to a Google file:
- Sign in to a Google Account: To access files that aren't public, you need to sign in or learn how to create a Google Account.
- If you have more than one Google Account: Make sure that you're signed in to the account that the file is shared to.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Drive, Docs, Sheets or Slides app.
- At the top right, tap your profile photo or account image.
- Select the correct account.
- Optional: Tap Add another account.
- If the correct app isn't installed: To open and edit files, you need the specific Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides apps.
- Request access from the file owner: The owner needs to share the file directly with your account or with a Google Group that you're in.