Google Sheets is a free and user-friendly spreadsheet application that works seamlessly right from the start. However, sometimes users encounter a few issues. For instance, many users complain about not being able to scroll through their document in Google Sheets. This makes data outside the visible area of the screen inaccessible, which is simply unacceptable.
Some users couldn’t scroll horizontally, while others couldn’t scroll vertically. In both cases, the data remains inaccessible as users can’t reach the cells in question. So here are 8 solutions that will help you resolve the scrolling issue in Google Sheets.
1. Common Solutions
Here are a few simple and quick solutions that can solve many common problems in Google Sheets. Applying them will only take you a few moments.
- Press the F5 key on your keyboard to refresh the document page. Google Sheets saves data in real-time, so you shouldn’t lose any data.
- Check if you have a stable internet connection or any synchronization issues that might render the Google Sheets document unresponsive.
- Check if the Scroll Lock key is enabled. Most keyboards are equipped with a Scroll Lock button, but some don’t have an LED indicator to show whether it’s enabled or not.
2. Use the Mobile Version or Another Device
For immediate relief, you can use the mobile app version of Google Sheets, available on Android and iOS. To make sure it’s not a problem with your browser or your computer itself, try opening and scrolling through Google Sheets in another browser. However, Google Sheets works best on Google Chrome, so make sure your browser is up-to-date.
3. Use the Sheets Scroll Bar
Google Sheets has its own scroll bar on the right side. However, it’s not the same as the browser scroll bar we usually notice when surfing the web.
Note that scrolling won’t work when the mouse pointer is outside the spreadsheet. For example, you can’t scroll the sheet if the pointer is on the menu or the address bar. It should be positioned inside the cells.
4. Maximize the Browser Window
Some users have found that using Google Sheets in a non-full-screen browser window prevents scrolling in Google Sheets. Sometimes the window is maximized to give the impression that it’s already maximized. Click the square button in the top right corner of the screen to maximize the window, then try using the mouse scroll wheel.
5. Restore a Previous Version
Sometimes, it’s helpful to restore a previous version to fix the scrolling error in Google Sheets. Select the version history from the File menu and you’ll see the “See version history” option. Alternatively, press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+H on your keyboard.
A pop-up window in the right sidebar will display all the previous versions along with the changes made. Select the most recent previous version.
Check if you can scroll through the Google Sheets document now. If successful, use the current version and copy any newly added data into that version.
6. Check Incognito Mode and Extensions
All browser extensions are disabled by default in Incognito mode. Open the Google Sheets document in Incognito mode and check if you can scroll now. If so, one of the installed extensions might be interfering with the web application. You’ll need to sign in to your Google account again.
Disable all extensions, then enable them one by one. Refresh the document each time to check if scrolling works in Google Sheets. This is how you’ll identify the extension causing the conflict. Chrome extension managers can help you manage and quickly enable/disable extensions.
7. Multiple Google Accounts
If you’re using multiple Google accounts on one browser, you can sign out of all those accounts. Then, sign back into Google Sheets with the account you intend to use.
8. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
You can clear the cache and cookies only for Google sites. You can follow a simple method to clear cache and cookies specifically for Google Drive on your computer and Android. By doing this, you’ll be instantly signed out. Wait for Google Sheets to save all the data first, then clear the cache and cookies.
Resolve the Scrolling Issue
The scrolling error in Google Sheets, while seemingly minor, can be very annoying. Not being able to see and edit data outside the screen’s view can be frustrating. Hopefully, this issue is now resolved. If you have discovered another method, please share it in the comments section below.
Stay tuned: Here are some of the best tips and tricks for Google Sheets that anyone can use to increase productivity, save time, and accomplish more easily.
