---
title: "Why am I getting “Unauthorized access” when using a Google Sheet in wpDataTables?"
description: "Error: “wpDataTables was unable to access data. Unauthorized access. Please make file accessible.”"
url: https://help.wpdatatables.com/en/articles/25-why-am-i-getting-unauthorized-access-when-using-a-google-sheet-in-wpdatatables
collection: "Technical issues"
updated: 2026-10-21
language: en
---

# Why am I getting “Unauthorized access” when using a Google Sheet in wpDataTables?

Error: “wpDataTables was unable to access data. Unauthorized access. Please make file accessible.”

If you're seeing this error while trying to create a table from a **Google Sheet**, it typically means there's an issue with either the **type of link you're using** or the **plugin version**.

Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix it:

* * *

### ✅ **1\. Make sure you're using wpDataTables version 7.2 or higher**

Google made changes to how third-party applications access Sheets. As a result, **wpDataTables version 7.1 and earlier** may not work properly with public links.

This issue has been resolved in **version 7.2**, so please update the plugin to the latest version.

📌 [View the ChangeLog](https://wpdatatables.com/help/whats-new-changelog/)

* * *

### 🔗 **2\. Check the type of link you're using**

There are two types of Google Sheet links:

#### 🔹 **“Publish to Web” Link**

(Usually starts with `https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX...`)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/O30piHKEm4sDIHvQ6IaI4RvqmHC4NREtUjOnYx1jkhGK89ylCy3ulpacTIEgu7N0DAqItiY713b.webp)

-   This is the recommended method for public Sheets.
    
-   Paste this link directly into wpDataTables when creating the table.
    
-   ✅ _No API key is required._
    

➡ Guide: [Creating wpDataTables from Google Spreadsheets](https://wpdatatables.com/documentation/creating-wpdatatables/creating-wpdatatables-from-google-spreadsheets/)

* * *

#### 🔹 **Browser Address Bar Link**

(Typically ends with `/edit#gid=0` — copied from the top of the browser)

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/sHFyNa2t4r1wfQMYiziQTtTOg5Q3VulBzrdBUquUcWfNar0lwe0xSGprSiiwCLZ97Oq54zNHIJw.webp)

If you're using this link, you'll need to:

1.  Connect a **Google Sheets API service account** in wpDataTables settings.
    
2.  Share the sheet with the **service account email** so it has access.
    

➡ Guide: [How to connect WordPress tables with Google Sheets API](https://wpdatatables.com/documentation/connect-wordpress-tables-with-google-sheets-api/)