Can't use saved queries in the Google Sheets BigQuery connector

Google Cloud Data Analytics
1

I created several queries in BigQuery and saved them. I want to use them in the Google Sheets BigQuery connector. To do this, I open the target Google Spreadsheet and select Data → Data Connectors → Connect to BigQuery → my project → my dataset → Saved queries and query editor. Next, in the “BigQuery saved queries” section, I select my project and want to choose a saved query. But after clicking on the drop-down list of saved queries, it simply becomes inactive, and I can’t select a query. What do I need to do to use my saved queries? Thanks!

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2

It sounds like the issue might be related to permissions or browser caching. A few things you can try:

  1. Check Permissions – Make sure your Google account has BigQuery Data Viewer access for the dataset where your saved queries are located. Without proper access, the connector won’t let you select queries.

  2. Browser Issues – Sometimes the drop-down becomes unresponsive due to cached scripts. Try:

    • Clearing your browser cache and cookies.

    • Using an incognito/private window.

    • Trying a different browser.

  3. Saved Query Location – Ensure your saved queries are in the same project and dataset you’re trying to connect to in Google Sheets. Cross-project saved queries can sometimes cause the drop-down to fail.

  4. Connector Updates – Make sure your Google Sheets and BigQuery connectors are up to date. Sometimes an outdated connector can cause UI glitches.

If you’ve confirmed permissions and tried a fresh browser session and it still doesn’t work, you may need to recreate the saved query in the same dataset or use the Custom Query option in the connector as a workaround.

3

What’s happening is usually a permissions or project setup issue. To use saved queries in the Google Sheets BigQuery connector, you need to make sure your account has at least “BigQuery User” and “BigQuery Metadata Viewer” roles on the project where the saved queries live. Also, the saved queries must be in the same project you’re selecting in Sheets—cross-project saved queries won’t appear. If the roles are correct and it’s still inactive, try creating a new saved query directly in the project you’re connecting from Sheets, as sometimes older or inherited saved queries don’t surface properly.

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4

It’s likely a permission or project mismatch. Make sure you have BigQuery User and Metadata Viewer roles, and that your saved query is in the same project you’re connecting from Sheets. Cross-project queries won’t show up.