Stopping web publication and changing Drive sharing are separate actions. Review both when a spreadsheet should no longer be broadly accessible.
Inspect the publishing configuration
On a computer, open File > Share > Publish to web. Review the published scope, including individual sheets or other selected output, before changing it.
Under Published content and settings, use Stop publishing for the intended publication. Confirm the operation applies to the source file whose public link or embed was distributed.
Review ordinary sharing separately
Open Share and inspect general access, direct recipients, parent-folder inheritance, groups, and organization access. Unpublishing does not automatically revoke these other routes.
Do not delete the workbook simply to stop publication when a narrower control meets the need. Preserve necessary operational access and coordinate any change affecting existing reports or embeds.
Verify what was actually withdrawn
Check the published URL and relevant embedded destination after the change. Record what remains accessible and allow for actual distribution or caching behavior instead of assuming one local view proves immediate removal everywhere.
Downloaded files, screenshots, copied values, and third-party reproductions are not retrieved by Stop publishing. If sensitive content was exposed, keep an evidence record and follow the appropriate organizational response. Review connected exports and linked objects separately. A successful withdrawal prevents the reviewed publication route from continuing as configured; it is not proof that every historical copy disappeared or that data remained confidential during the period it was public. Record the reviewed public URL and withdrawal time for follow-up.
References
- Make Google Docs, Sheets, Slides & Forms public
- Share and manage access to files and folders in Google Drive
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.