Python script struggling to update Google Sheets: Permission issues

Other Questions Google Sheets
1

Hey folks, I’m having trouble with my Python code that’s supposed to update Google Sheets. I followed a guide I found online, but I’m getting stuck with permission problems. Here’s what I’ve done so far:

import gspread
from oauth2client.service_account import ServiceAccountCredentials

auth_scope = ['https://spreadsheets.google.com/feeds']
credentials = ServiceAccountCredentials.from_json_keyfile_name('secret_key.json', auth_scope)
gs_client = gspread.authorize(credentials)

worksheet = gs_client.open('DataTracker').worksheet('Sheet1')

When I run the last line, I get an error saying I don’t have enough permissions. The error message mentions ‘insufficient authentication scopes’. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong or how to fix this. Has anyone run into this before? Any tips on how to solve it would be awesome. Thanks!

2

I encountered a similar issue recently. The problem lies in the OAuth2 scopes you are using. The ‘https://spreadsheets.google.com/feeds’ scope is outdated. Instead, try using the following scopes:

auth_scope = [‘https://www.googleapis.com/auth/spreadsheets’, ‘https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive’]

Also, ensure that your service account has the necessary permissions for the specific Google Sheet by sharing it with the service account’s email address. Finally, check that the ‘secret_key.json’ is correctly placed and valid. Upgrading to the latest versions of gspread and oauth2client can also help resolve authentication issues.

3

I’ve dealt with similar issues before, and it can be frustrating. The problem likely stems from your authentication scope being too limited. Try expanding it to include both read and write permissions. Replace your auth_scope line with this:

auth_scope = [‘https://spreadsheets.google.com/feeds’, ‘https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive’]

This should grant the necessary permissions to both read and modify your sheets. Also, make sure your service account has been given edit access to the specific Google Sheet you’re trying to modify. You can do this by sharing the sheet with the service account’s email address (found in your JSON key file).

If you’re still having trouble after these changes, double-check that your secret_key.json file is in the same directory as your script and contains the correct credentials. Sometimes, the simplest oversights can cause the biggest headaches!

4

yo ive been there too man. try adding this scope:

‘https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.file’

it lets you modify files you create. also double check ur sharing the sheet with the right email. sometimes its not obvious which one to use lol. good luck!