To remove conditional formatting in Google Sheets, select the cells, click Format > Conditional formatting, hover over the rule in the side panel, and click the trash can icon. The highlighting disappears and your data stays the same. To remove every rule from a sheet at once, select the whole sheet first with Ctrl + A (Command + A on a Mac) so the panel lists all of them.
Below are the steps for removing one rule, all rules, or rules from just part of a range, plus how to do it on the mobile app.
Remove one conditional formatting rule
- Click a cell that has the formatting.
- Click Format > Conditional formatting. The panel shows the rules that apply to the selected cells.
- Hover over the rule you want to remove.
- Click the trash can icon.
Remove all conditional formatting from a sheet
- Click the empty box in the top-left corner where the row numbers and column letters meet, or press Ctrl + A.
- Click Format > Conditional formatting.
- Delete each rule listed with its trash can icon.
Each sheet tab has its own rules, so repeat this on other tabs if needed.
Remove formatting from only some cells
If a rule covers A1:A100 and you want to keep it everywhere except A50:A60:
- Open the rule in the conditional formatting panel.
- Edit Apply to range to cover only the cells you want, for example A1:A49, A61:A100.
- Click Done.
Clear all formatting from selected cells
Select the cells and click Format > Clear formatting (or press Ctrl + \). This removes the selected cells’ fonts, colors, borders and number formats along with conditional formatting applied to them. Use it only when you want a completely plain range.
Remove conditional formatting on the mobile app
- Open the spreadsheet in the Google Sheets app and tap a formatted cell.
- Tap the Format button (the A with lines), or the three dots, and choose Conditional formatting.
- Tap the rule and tap Remove or the trash can.
Turn off a rule instead of deleting it
Google Sheets doesn’t have an on/off switch for rules. To keep a rule for later, note its condition and style before deleting it, or make a copy of the sheet with Duplicate on the sheet tab so you can restore it.
Why formatting stays after you delete a rule
- Another rule applies: Several rules can cover the same cells. Select the cells and check the panel for more rules.
- It’s regular formatting: A fill color you added manually isn’t a conditional rule. Use the fill color menu and choose Reset.
- Alternating colors: Banded rows come from Format > Alternating colors, which has its own Remove alternating colors button.
- It’s a table: Tables created with Convert to table have their own color styles.
Quick reference
| Goal | How |
|---|---|
| Delete one rule | Format > Conditional formatting > trash can |
| Delete all rules on a sheet | Select all, then delete each rule in the panel |
| Remove from part of a range | Edit the rule’s Apply to range |
| Remove every kind of formatting | Format > Clear formatting |
| Remove banded rows | Format > Alternating colors > Remove |
Related: copy conditional formatting in Google Sheets.
Related: remove alternating colors in Google Sheets.
Frequently asked questions
Does removing conditional formatting delete my data?
No. It only removes the rule and its colors. Values and formulas stay the same.
Can I undo removing a rule?
Yes. Press Ctrl + Z right away, or use File > Version history to restore an earlier version.
Why can’t I see the trash can icon?
Hover over the rule in the panel. If you only have view or comment access, you can’t edit rules.
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.