Restoring an older version changes the shared workbook’s current state. Preserve newer work and compare versions before applying a full rollback.
Inspect the relevant history
On a computer, open the spreadsheet’s Last edit or version-history control. Editing permission is required to browse earlier versions. Expand grouped entries when necessary and inspect the affected cells.
Record the version time and the change you are trying to recover. An older version can contain the missing formula while lacking legitimate records added afterward.
Prefer comparison before restoration
Use the earlier version’s menu to make a separate copy when you need to compare or recover a limited area. Review that copy’s sharing settings rather than assuming it is automatically restricted or shared exactly as intended.
For a small accidental edit, recovering the specific verified values or formulas may preserve more current work than restoring the whole workbook. Check their dependencies before copying them back.
Restore only after reviewing consequences
If a full restore is appropriate, preserve the current state and coordinate with collaborators. Choose the intended version and use Restore this version, then verify important records and calculations.
Google notes that restoration clears cell-by-cell edit history for changes before the restore. Revisions may also be merged, and available history should not be described as an unlimited immutable audit log. Do not delete history while investigating recovery. Keep the evidence needed to explain what was restored and which newer changes were retained or reapplied. A successful restore operation is only the start of verification; check downstream reports and integrations against the resulting state.
References
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.