Unlinking a chart already in Google Slides changes it from a source-connected object into a deliberate local snapshot. This can be appropriate for an archived presentation. Confirm the current data first, because unlinking an outdated chart preserves the outdated view rather than correcting it.
Review the chart and source
Open the slide on a computer and inspect the chart’s labels, reporting period, and values. Use the source link while it is still available to verify the spreadsheet that produced the chart. Resolve any freshness question before removing that connection.
Remove the link intentionally
Select the chart, open its Link options, and choose Unlink. Google’s linked-object guidance describes this operation for charts, tables, and linked slides. Check the object afterward to confirm that you applied the command to the intended chart.
Keep a written source reference or other maintenance record if future editors may need to understand where the snapshot came from. Unlinking should be a documented choice rather than an accidental consequence of troubleshooting.
Verify the archived meaning
Present the slide and compare its visible values with the verified snapshot. Ensure that the wording identifies the relevant date or period and does not imply a continually current dashboard. Review any separate export you intend to preserve. If the deck still needs ongoing source updates, retain the link instead. Unlinking does not remove sensitive values already visible in the chart, delete the source spreadsheet, or revoke copies of the presentation that other people have already received.
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.