Hiding a sheet in Google Sheets keeps helper data, lookup tables or raw imports out of the way while formulas that reference them keep working. Hidden sheets disappear from the tab bar, but anyone with edit access can unhide them, so hiding is for tidiness rather than security. This guide shows how to hide and unhide sheets on a computer and in the mobile app, how to protect them properly, and how to hide the whole tab bar view.
Quick Answer
Right-click the sheet tab at the bottom of the screen (or click its arrow) and choose Hide sheet. To bring it back, click View > Hidden sheets and select the sheet, or click the All Sheets (☰) button and choose it.
Hide a Sheet on a Computer
- Open the spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
- Right-click the tab of the sheet you want to hide, or click the small arrow on the tab.
- Choose Hide sheet.
The spreadsheet must have at least one visible sheet, so you can’t hide the last one. To hide several sheets, Shift-click or Ctrl-click the tabs to select them, then right-click and choose Hide sheet.
Unhide a Sheet
- View menu: click View > Hidden sheets and choose the sheet. The number in parentheses shows how many sheets are hidden.
- All Sheets button: click the ☰ icon at the bottom left. Hidden sheets appear grayed out; click one to unhide it.
Hide or Unhide a Sheet in the Mobile App
- Open the spreadsheet in the Google Sheets app on iPhone, iPad or Android.
- Tap the sheet tab at the bottom, then tap it again (or tap the arrow) to open its menu.
- Tap Hide.
- To unhide, tap the ☰ All Sheets icon or the ⋮ menu, find the hidden sheet and tap Unhide.
Menu names can vary slightly between app versions.
Hiding Isn’t Security: Protect the Sheet Too
Anyone who can edit the spreadsheet can unhide a sheet, and viewers can still see hidden data by downloading a copy. To stop edits:
- Right-click the sheet tab and choose Protect sheet (or Data > Protect sheets and ranges).
- Click Set permissions and choose Only you or specific editors.
Protected sheets can still be unhidden by editors, but they can’t change the data. For truly private data, keep it in a separate spreadsheet that you don’t share, and bring in only what’s needed with IMPORTRANGE.
Other Ways to Clean Up the View
- Hide rows or columns: select them, right-click and choose Hide.
- Group rows or columns: select them and choose View > Group to collapse and expand sections.
- Color-code tabs: right-click a tab > Change color.
- Hide gridlines: View > Show > Gridlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do formulas still work with hidden sheets?
Yes. References to hidden sheets work normally.
Why is Hide sheet grayed out?
It’s the only visible sheet, you have view-only access, or the sheet is protected and you aren’t allowed to edit it.
Are hidden sheets included when I download or print?
Downloads as Excel include hidden sheets (still hidden). Printing and PDF downloads include only visible sheets unless you choose otherwise.
Summary
- Right-click a sheet tab > Hide sheet.
- Unhide with View > Hidden sheets.
- Protect sheets to prevent edits.
- Use a separate file for private data.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.