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Extensions Menu Disabled When Using Market Data

If the Extensions menu in Google Sheets appears grayed out (lighter text, unclickable) when trying to use the Market Data add-on, it is almost always due to a Google Sheets behavior when viewing a fully protected sheet — it is not caused by the Market Data add-on itself.

What to look for: The Extensions menu will be visible but appear lighter in color and won't respond when clicked.

Why This Happens​

  • If every cell in the current sheet is protected for your account, Google Sheets automatically disables certain menus — including Extensions and Format.
  • This behavior is built into Google Sheets and applies to all add-ons, not just Market Data.
  • If the spreadsheet you're using was provided by another person or company and contains fully locked or protected, you may encounter this when viewing those sheets.

Quick Diagnostic​

To confirm this is the issue:

  1. Look at the bottom-left corner of Google Sheets
  2. If you see "Protected sheet" or similar text, this confirms the sheet is fully protected
  3. Try clicking in any cell - if you can't edit any cells, the sheet is fully protected

How to Fix It​

1. Switch to a Tab With Editable Cells​

  1. Click on a sheet tab where you can edit at least one cell.
  2. Once you are in an editable sheet, the Extensions menu will become active again.

2. Ask the Sheet Owner to Add an Editable Cell​

If you need to run Market Data from a protected tab:

  1. Ask the sheet owner to make a cell on that sheet editable for you.
  2. This keeps the menu available without removing important protections.

3. Work From Your Own Copy​

If you have permission:

  1. Go to File > Make a copy.
  2. Save it to your own Google Drive where you are the owner.
  3. You will have full access to all menus (but this removes the original owner’s protections).

Important Notes​

  • This issue occurs because of the spreadsheet’s protection settings — not because of the add-on’s installation or your subscription.
  • Once you are in a sheet with at least one editable cell, the add-on will be accessible again.

Still Having Trouble?​

If the Extensions menu stays disabled even when on an editable tab:

Step 1: Refresh and Check​

  1. Refresh the sheet (Ctrl+R or Cmd+R)
  2. Try switching to a different tab and back
  3. Check that you can edit at least one cell on the current tab

Step 2: Verify Add-on Installation​

  1. Go to Extensions > Add-ons > Manage add-ons
  2. Look for "Market Data" in the list
  3. Make sure it shows as "Enabled" (not "Disabled" or missing)

Step 3: Check Permissions​

  1. Click Share in the top-right corner
  2. Verify your email has "Editor" access (not just "Viewer")
  3. If you only have "Viewer" access, ask the owner to change it to "Editor"

Step 4: Contact Support​

If the problem persists, contact our support team and include:

  • The name of the spreadsheet
  • Which tab you were on when the menu was disabled
  • A screenshot showing the menu state
  • Your permission level (Viewer/Editor/Owner)

We typically respond within a few hours during market hours.