The IMPORTRANGE function in Google Sheets is powerful, but it’s also one of the most fragile functions—especially in operations relying on cross-file data management. Below are the most common error messages and practical ways to fix them.
● 1. #REF! (Permission Error)
Examples:
- “You need to connect these sheets”
- “You don’t have permission to access this sheet”
Causes:
- The user didn’t click “Allow access” after entering the IMPORTRANGE.
- The source sheet isn’t shared properly.
- URL contains unwanted parameters.
Fix:
- Set source file to “Anyone with the link – Viewer”.
- Re-enter the IMPORTRANGE and click Allow access.
- Use the clean URL up to
/edit.
● 2. #N/A (Wrong sheet name or range)
Examples:
- “Cannot parse range”
- “No matching data”
Causes:
- Sheet name contains full-width characters.
- Missing quotes around sheet names.
- Renamed sheets.
Fix:
- Use
'Sheet Name'!A1:B100when using non‑ASCII names. - Confirm the sheet hasn’t been renamed.
● 3. Internal Error
Examples:
- “Internal error”
- Random failure during high load
Causes:
- Large datasets
- Multiple complex formulas combined
- Simultaneous editing by several users
Fix:
- Split the process into two steps (1. IMPORTRANGE only → 2. QUERY the result)
- Consider caching via GAS for stability
● 4. Result too large
Causes:
- Querying entire columns
- Very large results returned
Fix:
- Restrict range
- Reduce dataset size
- Archive old data
Ref.
Why IMPORTRANGE Is Not Working — https://blog.coupler.io/importrange-not-working/
Google Official Documentation: IMPORTRANGE — https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3093340?hl=en
Common IMPORTRANGE Range Errors — https://ponicom.net/importrange/
Troubleshooting IMPORTRANGE × QUERY Issues — https://detail.chiebukuro.yahoo.co.jp/qa/question_detail/q13179875798
Google Forms → Sheets reliability discussion — https://webapps.stackexchange.com/questions/135213/will-working-with-an-active-google-form-responses-sheet-mess-anything-up
