How to Protect Columns in Google Sheets (3 Simple Tricks)

Protecting columns in Google Sheets is often necessary when you are working with associates and need to protect sensitive information, like formulas or reference values. It is also helpful for preventing accidental edits and deletions. Google Sheets allows users to lock and protect columns using various built-in tools.

This is the simplest method for locking columns while allowing for changes to be made to the rest of the spreadsheet. This method will allow you to individually select one or multiple columns that you want to lock and prevent edits. We have taken a sample dataset that contains information about employee ID, names, date of birth and department details. We want to protect columns D and E, containing the date of birth and department of the employee.

Steps:

➤ Open your Google Sheets file.
➤ Highlight the columns you want to protect. In our case, we selected column D and column E.
➤ From the main menu, click on Data >> Protected sheets and ranges.

➤ Click on Set permissions from the Protected sheets & ranges menu.

➤ Then, check Restrict who can edit this range box and select Only you or Custom.

➤ Finally, click on Done to successfully protect the columns.

Google Sheets also allows you to protect one or multiple columns using the right-click context menu. Although faster than the first method, this method achieves the same result. For this demonstration, we will protect columns B and C containing the first and last names of the employees. Follow the steps shown below.

Steps:

➤ Choose the columns that you want to protect. We selected column B and column C.
➤ Right click on the column and navigate to View more cell actions >> Protect Range.

➤ Click on Set permissions.

➤From the Range editing permissions menu, check the Restrict who can edit this range box.

➤Select Only you or Custom option from the dropdown menu and click on Done.

This feature is helpful when you want to prevent unintentional edits to sensitive data. If anyone tries to modify protected columns, a warning message will pop up to remind them that the column is restricted. Follow the steps below to properly use this feature.

Steps:

➤ Open your spreadsheet and highlight the column that you want to protect. In this example, we have selected column A.
➤ Right-click your mouse and go to View more cell actions >> Protect Range.

➤ Click on Set Permission.

➤ From the Range editing permissions menu, check the Show a warning when editing this range box.

➤ Click on Done. Now, anyone trying to modify that particular column will get a warning before making any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Users View Locked Columns?

Locked columns can still be accessed or viewed by users. Protecting columns only restricts users from making changes to the selected columns.

How do I Unlock Protected Columns?

To unlock protected columns, go to Data >> Protected sheets and ranges. Select the column that you want unlocked and click on the trash icon to remove protection.

Concluding Words

Protecting important data is a must when you are collaborating with associates or dealing with highly sensitive information. Google Sheets lets you do that easily with its built-in tools. In this article, we have covered three easy and practical methods of protecting columns in Google Sheets, including protecting columns from the top toolbar, from the context menu and showing a warning when making changes. Feel free to try out each method and choose one that best suits your needs.