How to fix Google Sheets not allowing scrolling

For example, some users have complained about not being able to scroll down in Google Sheets. This makes data outside the display area of ​​the screen inaccessible. And that is unacceptable.

Some users cannot scroll horizontally, and others cannot scroll up or down. Either way, the data is still elusive because the cells in question cannot be reached by the user. Here are 8 solutions to help you fix page scrolling problems in Google Sheets.

1. Conventional solutions

Here are some quick and easy solutions that can fix many common errors in Google Sheets. It won't take long to apply them.

Press F5 on your keyboard to refresh the document page. Google Sheets saves data in real time so you don't lose any data.

Check to see if you have a stable Internet connection or sync-related issues that may cause Google Sheets documents to become unresponsive.

Check if Scroll Lock is enabled. Most keyboards have a scroll lock button, but some don't have an LED to indicate the button is on.

2. Use mobile version or other device

For an immediate fix, you can use the Google Sheets mobile app, available on Android and iOS. To make sure this isn't an issue with your browser or computer, try opening and scrolling in Google Sheets with a different browser. Note, Google Sheets works best in Google Chrome. So make sure it's up to date.

3. Use the Sheets Scrollbar

Google Sheets has a scroll bar on the right hand side. However, it is not the same as the browser's scroll bar that is often noticed when surfing the web.

How to fix Google Sheets not allowing scrolling Picture 1

Note that scrolling will not work when the mouse pointer is outside the worksheet. For example, you can't scroll in a worksheet if the pointer hovers over the menu or the address bar. It must be pointed in the cells.

4. Maximize browser window

Some users have found that using Google Sheets in a browser window that is not in full screen view interferes with scrolling in Google Sheets. Click the square button in the top right corner of the screen to maximize the window and then try using the mouse wheel.

5. Go back to previous version

Sometimes, rolling back to a previous version helps fix Google Sheets scrolling errors. Select Version history in the File menu and you'll see an option to See version history. Or you can press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H on your keyboard.

How to fix Google Sheets not allowing scrolling Picture 2

A pop-up in the right sidebar will show all previous versions with changes. Please select the previous version.

How to fix Google Sheets not allowing scrolling Picture 3

Check if you can scroll in a Google Sheets document now. If yes, use the current version and copy the newly added data to this version.

6. Check Incognito Mode and Extensions

All browser extensions are disabled by default in incognito mode. Open a Google Sheets document in incognito mode and check if you can scroll now. If so, one of the installed extensions may be affecting the web application. You will have to sign in to your Google account again.

How to fix Google Sheets not allowing scrolling Picture 4

Disable all extensions and then re-enable them one by one. Reload the document each time to check if scrolling works in Google Sheets. That's how you will find out which extension is causing the conflict. Extension Manager for Chrome can help manage and enable/disable extensions quickly.

7. Are you logging into multiple accounts?

If you're using multiple Google accounts in one browser, you can sign out of all of them. Then, sign back into Google Sheets with the account you intend to use.

8. Clear cookies and browser cache

You can clear cache and cookies for Google sites. You can follow a simple method to clear cache and cookies only for Google Drive on computer and Android. First, wait for Google Sheets to save all the data, then clear the cache and cookies.

Jessica Tanner

Update 02 July 2021