Fix: “A Network Error Has Occurred” in Google Sheets

The “A Network Error has Occurred” message in the Google Sheets app usually appears when you try to open or sync a spreadsheet but the app cannot establish a proper connection with Google’s servers. In this situation, the file either refuses to load or stays stuck on a blank screen, even though your internet connection may appear stable.

This error typically signals a communication failure between the app and Google’s backend servers, but the underlying causes can vary.

Often, it results from corrupted or outdated cache files that disrupt data sync. It may also appear if the app lacks required internet permissions, if background data usage is restricted, or if you are running an outdated version of Google Sheets that no longer works smoothly with Google’s services.

Now that the causes are clear, let’s go through the solutions step by step.

1. Wait and Reload

Sometimes, the error is triggered by temporary issues on Google’s servers such as outages, maintenance, or high traffic. In such cases, the problem lies on Google’s side, not your device. No local fix will help until the servers recover.

The best approach is to wait briefly and then reload your spreadsheet.

To confirm if it’s a server issue:

• Check the official Google Workspace Status Dashboard to see if Google Sheets is down.
• Open the same spreadsheet in a browser on another device. If it works there, the issue is local. If it fails everywhere, the problem is server-side.

This step ensures you don’t waste time on unnecessary troubleshooting when the real cause is a temporary server disruption.

2. Clear Cache and Check Permissions

Google Sheets depends on cached files and active network permissions to sync correctly. When the cache is corrupted, the app may attempt to load broken or outdated files, causing errors. Clearing the cache forces the app to rebuild fresh files, which often resolves conflicts.

Similarly, if the app doesn’t have full access to Wi-Fi, mobile data, or background usage, it may fail to maintain a stable connection. Verifying these permissions ensures the app stays connected even in the background.

2.1. Clear Cache

1. Find the Google Sheets app, hold it, and tap the info icon.
2. Go to Storage & Cache.
3. Tap Clear Cache.

2.2. Check Permissions

1. From the same app settings page, open Mobile Data & Wi-Fi.
2. Enable “Background Data” and “Unrestricted Data Usage”.
3. Reopen Google Sheets and check if the error is gone.

3. Update Google Sheets

An outdated app version may introduce bugs or server compatibility issues. Updating ensures you’re running the latest fixes and performance improvements, improving stability and connectivity.

1. Open the Play Store or App Store.
2. Search for “Google Sheets.”
3. If an update is available, tap Update.
4. Restart the app and try opening your spreadsheet again.

4. Use Browser

If the app still fails, switching to a browser may bypass the issue. Browsers create a fresh connection to Google’s servers, eliminating temporary app glitches. This method also helps confirm if the problem is app-specific or network-related.

1. Tap “Open in Browser” when prompted by the error.

OR

1. Open your preferred browser.
2. Go to the Google Sheets website.
3. Sign in with your Google account.
4. Open the spreadsheet that previously showed errors.
5. Check if it loads without the network error.

5. Update Your Device

Outdated system software may not fully support new Google Sheets updates, causing instability. Installing the latest Android or iOS version improves compatibility and performance.

If your device cannot update beyond Android 8, upgrading to a newer model is recommended, as Google Sheets often becomes unstable on outdated systems.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Software Update and tap Download and Install. Your device will check for updates and install them if available.