Can’t edit a file

If you can’t edit a file, a few things could be wrong:

  • The file owner didn’t give you permission to view the file.
  • You're signed in to a different Google Account.
  • Someone else with edit access removed your permission to edit.

You can only request edit access from a computer, but you can see what access you already have on your phone or tablet.

Check your access on your Android device

You can only request edit access from a computer, but you can see what access you already have on your phone or tablet.

  1. In the Docs, Sheets or Slides app, open a file.
  2. Under the title of the file, look for 'View only' or 'Comment only'.

If you see 'View only' or 'Comment only', open the file on a computer to request edit access.

Download the apps to edit a file

To edit a file on your phone or tablet, download and sign in to the apps:

Get more help

If these options didn't help, see some answers in the Google Drive forum.

true
Watch video tutorials

To get the latest tips, tricks, and how-to's, subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Search
Clear search
Close search
Main menu
3497288249747002282
true
Search Help Centre
true
true
true
true
true
99950
false
false