Google Sheets Cheat Sheet

Authorization Required: How To Authorize Google Apps Script Apps

The first time you run a script written in Google Apps Script that requires authorization in Google Sheets you'll see this 'Authorization Required' message:

authorization required popup that appears in google sheets when you run a google apps script script for the first time

You'll see similar authorization messaging in Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Forms.

Don't worry - this is a normal part of the process:

Click Continue and follow these steps to have your script running in less than a minute.

If the first time you run the script is from the Google Apps Script IDE (Integrated Development Environment) the message will look like this instead:

authorization required popup that appears in google apps script ide when you run a google apps script script for the first time

A new window will open asking you to select an account that you're currently logged in to (or choose another):

shows the choose an account step in the google apps script authorization process

Click on the most relevant account or log in to it from this window.

If you're using a consumer account (@gmail.com) or the script was written by someone outside of your Workspace domain, you will see the following warning (if you don't see the warning click here to continue):

shows the google hasn't verified this app warning message that appears in the google apps script authorization process

If you don't know the author and can't read the code to check that it's not malicious, click on BACK TO SAFETY.

If you do know the author of the script and trust them (or you wrote it yourself) you can proceed by clicking on the Advanced link in the bottom left corner:

shows the advanced section of the google hasn't verified this app warning message that appears in the google apps script authorization process

This will open another section at the bottom of the window that allows you to click on a Go to Script Name (unsafe) link.

Google is trying to protect your privacy and security with these additional steps.

However, if you do know and trust the author you should feel comfortable proceeding by clicking the link that includes the word 'unsafe'.

This leads the final window that allows you to grant the required permissions:

shows the final step of the google apps script authorization process that outlines the specific permissions requested by the script

Click 'Allow' to grant the required permissions and make the script run.

You might need to initiate the script again providing authorization so that it actually runs.

If you were presented with the warning message about a potentially unsafe app and chose to proceed, Google will follow up with an email like this:

shows the email sent by google when you provide 'unsafe' authorization to a google apps script app

If you're happy you've granted authorization appropriately this can be ignored.

Otherwise you can follow the Check activity link to revoke the authorization you provided.


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Kieran Dixon started using spreadsheets in 2010. He leveled-up his skills working for banks and running his own business. Now he makes Google Sheets and Apps Script more approachable for anyone looking to streamline their business and life.

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