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 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.
- When a message of "You need access" shows, click Request access.
- Optional: Add an explanation why you need access.
- Click Send request.
Learn what happens after you request access
The file owner gets an email with your request that includes:
- The name and email address on the Google Account you’re signed in to.
- The link and name of the file you want to access.
- The message you add.
- The option to notify you of their decision.
After you send the request:
- If your request is approved and you’re notified: You get an email on the account you requested access with a link to the file.
- If your request is denied and you’re notified: You get an email that informs you that the request is denied.
- If you don't get any notification:
- Your request may be pending.
- You might have been denied access without notification.
- Try to open the file again. Your request may have been approved without notification.
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 you're signed in to the account the file is shared with. Learn how to switch between multiple Google accounts.
- Request access from the file owner: The owner needs to share the file directly with your account or with a Google Group you're in.
Tip: When the file owner is on a work account, in some cases, their organizational policy may not allow them to share the file with you.
Request access for othersIf you have "Viewer" or "Commenter" permissions, you can’t directly share the file with others. You can help another person to request access from the owner.
- On your computer, open the file
- On the top right, click Share [icon].
- Add the people or groups.
- Optional: You can add the access level they need, like:
- Editor
- Commenter
- Viewer
- Optional: Add an explanation why you need access.
- Click Send.