CSV import breaks dates in Google Sheets
The first imported date is ambiguous. Replace only A2 with the exact text 2026-07-25, using a leading apostrophe so Google Sheets keeps it as text. Keep the row order, the other dates, and all event names unchanged.
Verified by JosephineAbout 75 secondsThe first imported date is ambiguous. Replace only A2 with the exact text 2026-07-25, using a leading apostrophe so Google Sheets keeps it as text. Keep the row order, the other dates, and all event names unchanged.
Step-by-step
Select the targetThe first imported date is ambiguous.
Complete the next actionReplace only A2 with the exact text 2026-07-25,.
Complete the next actiona leading apostrophe so Google Sheets keeps it as text.
Apply the changeKeep the row order, the other dates, and all event names unchanged.
Shortcut or faster method
Select the full target range first. This avoids repeating the same change cell by cell.
Expected result
The imported dates use unambiguous ISO text.
Common mistake
Applying the change to more rows, columns, or cells than the task specifies.
Troubleshooting
Re-select A2 and repeat the final action. The imported dates use unambiguous ISO text.
Example spreadsheet data
This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.
| Date | Event |
| 7/25/26 | Launch |
| 2026-02-15 | Planning |
| 2026-12-01 | Renewal |
Video transcript
- Open the prepared CSV date recovery spreadsheet.
- Select the target. The first imported date is ambiguous.
- Complete the next action. Replace only A2 with the exact text 2026-07-25,.
- Complete the next action. a leading apostrophe so Google Sheets keeps it as text.
- Apply the change. Keep the row order, the other dates, and all event names unchanged.
- The imported dates use unambiguous ISO text.