Intermediate
How to connect Google Sheets on n8n
Quick Answer
Connecting Google Sheets to n8n involves creating a workflow, adding the Google Sheets node, and authenticating via OAuth2 credentials from Google Cloud Console. Enable Sheets and Drive APIs, create OAuth client ID/secret with n8n redirect URI, then test in n8n. Common issues like 403 errors or empty sheets are fixed by re-authenticating and ensuring proper sharing.
Prerequisites
- Google account with Cloud Console access
- n8n instance (cloud or self-hosted)
- Target Google Sheet with headers in row 1
- Basic familiarity with n8n workflows
1
Log in to n8n dashboard
Visit your n8n instance (cloud or self-hosted), enter credentials, and land on the main Workflows dashboard.
2
Create a new workflow
Click Create Workflow (or New button) on the Workflows dashboard to open the workflow editor canvas.
3
Add trigger node
Click Add first step on the empty canvas. In the right panel's node menu, search for and select Trigger Manually node. Drag or confirm to place it on the canvas.
Tip
Manual trigger is ideal for testing connections.
4
Add Google Sheets node
Hover over the + (add node) connector on the right side of the Trigger Manually node and click it. In the node menu, search for Google Sheets. Select it and choose an operation like Document > Create to test spreadsheet creation.
5
Create Google Cloud project
Go to Google Cloud Console. Click project dropdown > New Project. Enter name (e.g., "n8n-sheets"), select Create. Ensure this project is selected.
Tip
Skip if you have an existing project.
6
Enable Google Sheets and Drive APIs
In Google Cloud Console, search for Google Sheets API > Enable. Also enable Google Drive API for document operations. Navigate to left sidebar > OAuth consent screen > Create (or Edit). Set App name (e.g., "n8n"), User support email, Audience: External, add developer contact email, Save and Continue > Finish.
Tip
Drive API is required for create/delete spreadsheet operations.
7
Create OAuth 2.0 credentials
In Google Cloud left sidebar > APIs & Services > Credentials: Click + Create Credentials > OAuth client ID. Select Web application. Add Authorized redirect URIs (copy from n8n credential dialog, e.g.,
https://your-n8n-instance/rest/oauth2-credential/callback). Click Create. Copy Client ID and Client Secret.Tip
For self-hosted n8n, ensure WEBHOOK_URL env var matches (e.g.,
http://localhost:5680/).8
Configure credentials in n8n
Back in n8n Node Editor > Credential to connect with dropdown, select Create New. Choose Google Sheets OAuth2 API. Click Sign in with Google, authorize, grant Sheets read/write permissions, Save. For custom: Paste Client ID and Client Secret. Set Auth URI:
https://accounts.google.com/o/oauth2/v2/auth, Access Token URI: https://oauth2.googleapis.com/token, Scope: https://www.googleapis.com/auth/spreadsheets https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.Tip
Free n8n Cloud often uses built-in credentials; paid/self-hosted needs custom.
9
Test the connection
Share your target sheet with the authenticating Google account (editor permissions). Click Test step or Execute Node in n8n. Verify sheet dropdown populates and operation succeeds (e.g., new spreadsheet created).
Tip
Ensure sheet has headers in row 1, no data gaps.
Troubleshooting
Sheet dropdown empty or 'No columns found' after auth
Enable Google Sheets/Drive APIs in correct project; refresh credentials; ensure sheet shared with auth account and headers in row 1.
403 permission errors
Re-authenticate OAuth; verify API enabled; check sheet sharing permissions; refresh token.
OAuth redirect URI mismatch or callback failure
Copy exact redirect URI from n8n dialog to Google Cloud; for self-hosted, set correct WEBHOOK_URL env var.
Expired token or auth fails after initial setup
Delete/recreate credentials in n8n; re-authorize; check OAuth consent screen scopes.
Data mapping issues (e.g., auto-map fails)
Switch to manual mapping mode; ensure incoming JSON keys match sheet headers exactly.
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