Introduction

If your Google Sheet is restricted and you need to connect it to an Excel file, the process requires setting up a Google Service Account and using a Python script to save the data locally. This blog will guide you step by step, ensuring your data flows seamlessly from a restricted Google Sheet to Excel.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create a Google Service Account and Download the JSON Key

A Google Service Account allows your script to authenticate with Google APIs. Follow the steps below to create one:

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console and log in with your account.
2. Create a new project or use an existing one.
3. Enable the Google Sheets API and Google Drive API for your project.
4. Under APIs & Services, go to Credentials and click Create Credentials > Service Account.
5. Follow the prompts to set up the service account.
6. Download the JSON key file after creating the service account.

If you're new to this process, watch this YouTube tutorial for detailed instructions.

Step 2: Share the Google Sheet with the Service Account

To allow your Service Account to access the restricted Google Sheet, follow these steps:

• Open the Google Sheet you want to connect.
• Click Share in the top-right corner.
• In the email field, enter the service account email address (found in your JSON key file, under the field client_email).
• Set the permission to Editor and click Send.

Once shared, the Service Account will have access to the Google Sheet.

Step 3: Use Python to Read the Google Sheet and Save to an Excel File

Use Python to access the restricted Google Sheet and export its data into an Excel file. Below is an example of the process:

1. Install the required Python packages: pip install gspread pandas openpyxl.
2. Download the Python script from this link.
3. Update the script with the path to your JSON key file and the Google Sheet ID.
4. Run the script, which will save the data as an Excel file on your local machine.

The Python script ensures that the restricted Google Sheet data is securely fetched and converted to a format compatible with Excel.

Step 4: Connect to the Excel File Using Power Query

Once the data is saved as an Excel file, you can connect it to Excel using Power Query for auto-refresh capabilities:

1. Open Excel and go to Data > Get Data > From File > From Workbook.
2. Select the Excel file created by the Python script.
3. Follow the prompts to load the data into your Excel sheet.
4. To refresh the data, simply click Refresh All under the Data tab.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can connect a restricted Google Sheet to Excel effortlessly. Using a Google Service Account and Python, you can automate the process and ensure your data stays updated in Excel. For any issues or questions, feel free to leave a comment below!