Google Docs Editor / Troubleshoot permissions denied to access a Google doc

Objective

• To provide troubleshooting guidance for accessing a Google doc when:
  • You have been denied access to a Google doc that you were able to access before
  • You no longer have permission to access the document, so your changes can't be saved

Environment

• Google's Docs Editors (Google Docs)
• 11357: Google Workspace

Cause

• If a Google doc won’t open, a few things could be wrong:
  • You need to clear your cookies and cache
  • You signed in using a different Google account 
  • The file owner didn’t give you permission to view the file
  • The file owner removed your permission to view the file

Resolution 

Clear your cookies and cache

• Follow these KB directions on clearing your browser's cookies and cache
• Or follow these Google Help instructions to restore your default browser settings in Chrome

Try your other Google account

• If you have more than one Google account, switch to see if you have access to the file through a different account

1. Open the document
2. On the You need permission page, click Switch accounts
3. Sign in with a different Google account and try again to access the document

Request permission to access the document

1. Open the document
2. On the You need permission page, click Request access
   • The file owner will receive an email asking for approval; after they approve your request, you'll get an email

Ask to have your access restored

• Ask the document owner to restore your access to the file
  • If the document owner needs assistance, share this helpful Docs Editors Help article on sharing files from Google Drive

Notes

• Google provides up-to-date end-user instructions and support documentation for the Google Docs Editor service            
  • Browse Google's Docs Editors Help site for everything you want to know about using this popular service
  • Check the Google Status Dashboard for the current performance status of this service