When opening spreadsheets inside the Sheetgo web app or Sheetgo PWA, you may sometimes see the message:
“Allow Google Sheets access to your necessary cookies.”
This happens when your browser blocks the cookies Google needs to authenticate your account inside embedded spreadsheets. This article explains why this occurs, how to fix it, and what to do if you're using the Sheetgo PWA.
What is Sheetgo PWA (Progressive Web App)?
A web-based app that functions like a native mobile app on your device. It provides a similar experience to a native app but does not require downloading from an app store.
Why Cookies Are Needed for Embedded Spreadsheets
When Sheetgo displays a Google Sheet inside the app, it loads the file through an embedded Google iframe. Google uses necessary account cookies to verify who you are and display your spreadsheet securely.
However:
Some browsers block third-party cookies by default.
Privacy settings, extensions, or incognito mode can also block them.
PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) use a separate browser context, which may not always keep Google’s session cookies.
If Google can’t access those cookies, it cannot authenticate you - leading to the cookie permission message.
How to Enable Cookies in Google Chrome
To allow Google Sheets to load inside Sheetgo, make sure cookies are enabled for Google domains:
Open Chrome Settings
Settings → Privacy and security → Third-Party Cookies
Scroll down to the header Sites allowed to use third-party cookies, add:
https://accounts.google.comhttps://docs.google.com
Refresh the Sheetgo page after allowing cookies.
For reference, refer to Google’s guide: Allow Cookies in Chrome
How to Enable Cookies in Other Browsers
Most major browsers provide similar cookie controls. You can follow their official guides here:
Firefox: Manage cookies and site data
Edge: How to enable cookies
Safari: Enable cookies in Safari on Mac
Use the browser’s support page for the most accurate, updated instructions.
Sheetgo PWA Specific Cookies Behaviour
The Sheetgo PWA provides a fast, app-like experience - but it also has known cookie limitations due to how Chrome handles PWAs.
Why It Happens in PWAs
PWAs run in a separate browser environment.
Google’s session cookies for embedded content don’t always sync with your main Chrome profile.
This is a Chrome/browser limitation, not a Sheetgo bug.
Common Symptoms
Google Sheets repeatedly asks for cookie permissions.
You are asked to “Reauthorize Google access.”
Embedded spreadsheets fail to load even though they work in a regular tab.
Workarounds
To avoid recurring prompts:
Reauthorize Google Sheets access when prompted.
Ensure third-party cookies are allowed (see steps above).
Open Sheetgo in a normal Chrome browser tab when working heavily with embedded sheets.
Technical Reference for further reading:
Is There a Permanent Fix?
Not yet. There is no permanent fix until Chrome fully synchronizes cookie contexts between PWAs and browser sessions. This is a browser-level restriction, not a bug in Sheetgo, and Sheetgo cannot override or change these browser-level restrictions
What you can do now
Enable cookies for Google domains.
Reauthorize Google access when requested.