Allow exceptions in a protected range in Google Sheets
The entire sheet is already protected. Open Data > Protect sheets and ranges, edit the existing protection, and allow C2:C5 as the only exception. Keep the protection and all cell values unchanged.
Verified by PhilisAbout 60 secondsThe entire sheet is already protected. Open Data > Protect sheets and ranges, edit the existing protection, and allow C2:C5 as the only exception. Keep the protection and all cell values unchanged.
Step-by-step
Select the targetThe entire sheet is already protected.
Complete the next actionOpen Data > Protect sheets and ranges, edit the existing protection, and allow C2:C5 as the only exception.
Apply the changeKeep the protection and all cell values unchanged.
Shortcut or faster method
Select the full target range first. This avoids repeating the same change cell by cell.
Expected result
The whole sheet remains protected, with exactly C2:C5 listed as its only unprotected exception.
Common mistake
Applying the change to more rows, columns, or cells than the task specifies.
Troubleshooting
Re-select C2:C5 and repeat the final action. The whole sheet remains protected, with exactly C2:C5 listed as its only unprotected exception.
Example spreadsheet data
This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.
| Project | Owner | Status | Budget |
| Website refresh | Anna | In progress | 8200 |
| Mobile launch | Ben | Blocked | 14500 |
| Content audit | Cara | Complete | 3600 |
| Analytics cleanup | Dev | In progress | 5100 |
Video transcript
- Open the prepared Project tracker spreadsheet.
- Select the target. The entire sheet is already protected.
- Complete the next action. Open Data > Protect sheets and ranges, edit the existing protection, and allow C2:C5 as the only exception.
- Apply the change. Keep the protection and all cell values unchanged.
- The whole sheet remains protected, with exactly C2:C5 listed as its only unprotected exception.