Today, we noticed that our tables that use Google Sheets data were throwing the following error:
"wpDataTables was unable to access data. Unauthorized access. Please make file accessible."
The front and back end views both show the error. Users are unable to edit these tables in the plugin
When troubleshooting, we tried building new Google Sheets tables and it happens on each Sheet, regardless of how simple they are.
We also tried updating the visibility of the Google Sheet to share with anyone who has the link. This also did not help.
It appears that this mostly impacts Google Sheets tables that were built in the last month. Older versions of Google Sheets tend to be working as expected.
We're wondering if this might have been a Google update that needs to be accommodated in a wpDataTables fix?
Thank you for reporting this, and you're right — you've isolated the issue.
The demo sheet from our documentation was created a long time ago using an older version of Google Sheets. As you mentioned, we can't reproduce the issue with that sheet.
However, if we create a new Google Sheet now, I can reproduce the issue, and it keeps throwing the following error:
"wpDataTables was unable to access data. Unauthorized access. Please make file accessible."
I am urgently escalating this to our QA team and developers.
We will do our best to isolate the issue and find either a temporary workaround or a fix as quickly as possible.
As soon as we have an update on our end, I will notify you right away.
I've also encountered this problem, when investigating why the tables no longer update as usual. Strangely enough, I have two tables, published in the same way, taking data from the same account, but one works and the other throws the "unable to access data" error.
We isolated what happened and here is an update on this situation.
Google has recently updated its security policies, affecting how Google Spreadsheets connect to third-party applications.
As a result, existing spreadsheets created before this change will continue to work without issues. However, newly created Google Sheets will encounter connection errors due to these updated security protocols.
For the newly created Google Sheets with wpDataTables, you’ll need to connect your Google API service account in the plugin settings/Google Spreadsheet API settings.
You can find detailed instructions on setting up a Google API service account here.
If you need to use private sheets, refer to this guide.
Once your Google API service account is added to our plugin, you won’t need to repeat this step, and all Google Sheets functionalities will work as before.
Today, we noticed that our tables that use Google Sheets data were throwing the following error:
"wpDataTables was unable to access data. Unauthorized access. Please make file accessible."
The front and back end views both show the error. Users are unable to edit these tables in the plugin
When troubleshooting, we tried building new Google Sheets tables and it happens on each Sheet, regardless of how simple they are.
We also tried updating the visibility of the Google Sheet to share with anyone who has the link. This also did not help.
It appears that this mostly impacts Google Sheets tables that were built in the last month. Older versions of Google Sheets tend to be working as expected.
We're wondering if this might have been a Google update that needs to be accommodated in a wpDataTables fix?
Attached files: Screenshot 2025-03-11 at 8.20.57 PM.png
Hello,
Thank you for reporting this, and you're right — you've isolated the issue.
The demo sheet from our documentation was created a long time ago using an older version of Google Sheets. As you mentioned, we can't reproduce the issue with that sheet.
However, if we create a new Google Sheet now, I can reproduce the issue, and it keeps throwing the following error:
"wpDataTables was unable to access data. Unauthorized access. Please make file accessible."
I am urgently escalating this to our QA team and developers.
We will do our best to isolate the issue and find either a temporary workaround or a fix as quickly as possible.
As soon as we have an update on our end, I will notify you right away.
Thank you for your patience.
Kind Regards,
Miloš Jovanović
[email protected]
Rate my support
Try our FREE mapping plugin! MapSVG - easy Google maps, interactive SVG maps and floor plans, choropleth maps and much more - https://wordpress.org/plugins/mapsvg-lite-interactive-vector-maps/
wpDataTables: FAQ | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Front-end and back-end demo | Docs
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You can try wpDataTables add-ons before purchasing on these sandbox sites:
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I've also encountered this problem, when investigating why the tables no longer update as usual. Strangely enough, I have two tables, published in the same way, taking data from the same account, but one works and the other throws the "unable to access data" error.
Any news about solution to this problem?
Hello guys,
We isolated what happened and here is an update on this situation.
Google has recently updated its security policies, affecting how Google Spreadsheets connect to third-party applications.
As a result, existing spreadsheets created before this change will continue to work without issues. However, newly created Google Sheets will encounter connection errors due to these updated security protocols.
For the newly created Google Sheets with wpDataTables, you’ll need to connect your Google API service account in the plugin settings/Google Spreadsheet API settings.
You can find detailed instructions on setting up a Google API service account here.
Once your Google API service account is added to our plugin, you won’t need to repeat this step, and all Google Sheets functionalities will work as before.
Let me know if you need further assistance!
Kind Regards,
Miloš Jovanović
[email protected]
Rate my support
Try our FREE mapping plugin! MapSVG - easy Google maps, interactive SVG maps and floor plans, choropleth maps and much more - https://wordpress.org/plugins/mapsvg-lite-interactive-vector-maps/
wpDataTables: FAQ | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Front-end and back-end demo | Docs
Amelia: FAQ | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amelia demo sites | Docs | Discord Community
You can try wpDataTables add-ons before purchasing on these sandbox sites:
Powerful Filters | Gravity Forms Integration for wpDataTables | Formidable Forms Integration for wpDataTables | Master-Detail Tables