Unhide columns in Google Sheets not working

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  • You can easily unhide columns in Google Sheets on your computer or mobile device.
  • You can unhide columns or rows either by clicking or tapping on an arrow, or by right-clicking on a computer to bring up another option for unhiding. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

As in any spreadsheet program, you can hide rows and columns on Google Sheets to better organize your document. But once hidden, how do you unhide them?

It's surprisingly simple, and works the same way whether you're in a browser on a Mac or PC or using the Google Sheets app on your mobile device, though you can also right-click on a computer to bring up another option for unhiding. 

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How to unhide columns in Google Sheets

You can see that a column (or row, for that matter) is hidden in Google Sheets because the labeled column will be missing – it will skip from B to E, for example, or in the case of rows, 12 to 20. The missing entries are hidden. More importantly, you should see small arrows on either side of the hidden labels.

To unhide it on desktop or mobile, just click or tap the small arrow on either side of the hidden column or row. 

Unhide a column by clicking the small arrows in the column labels. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

If you're on a desktop, another way to unhide is to select a range of column on either side of the hidden column, right-click, and choose "Unhide Columns."

You can also unhide columns by right-clicking on a computer. Dave Johnson/Business Insider

Unhide columns in Google Sheets not working

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Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

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Why can't I unhide columns in Google Sheets?

Via Right-Click After finding where the hidden column is located, you may: Step 1: Select the columns sandwiching the hidden column. Step 2: Right click on the column names bar above the selected columns. A drop-down list will appear, and the Unhide Column will appear.

Why won't my columns unhide?

Drag your mouse pointer to the left until you see the border change its color. It means column A is selected though you don't see it. Release the mouse cursor and go to Home > Format > Hide & Unhide > Unhide Columns.

Why can't I unhide rows in Google Sheets?

Here's how:.
Click the Data menu from the menu bar..
Select the option that says 'Turn off filter'..
This should remove filters from your sheet and you should be able to see all your previously hidden rows again..

Why can't I hide columns in Google Sheets?

To hide columns on Google Sheets Click View > Show Columns, then uncheck any columns that you don't need, then hit OK. Click on the column header on top of the working area to select the column (or columns), you want to hide.