Summary
If your Google Sheet automation isn’t triggering messages as expected, don’t worry - this guide will walk you through the most common reasons it might not work. From incorrect setup steps to Google-specific limitations, we’ll help you identify and resolve the issue quickly.
Instructions
Common Reasons Why Google Sheet Automation Isn't Working
Here are the typical scenarios where Google Sheet automation may fail to trigger your messages:
1. The Endpoint Isn’t Set Up Correctly
Before saving your endpoint and token, make sure you test them first. This helps confirm that the automation can successfully connect and respond.
Go to your Google Sheet automation settings.
Click Test to verify the endpoint and token.
If successful, go ahead and save the settings.
2. You're Using Formulas in Cells
Google Sheet automation doesn’t support cells that contain formulas.
If you're using formulas (like
=A1+B1) in the trigger cells, the automation won’t detect these changes.Try replacing formulas with static values where possible to enable triggers.
3. Rows Are Added Automatically (e.g., via Forms or Chatbot)
When new rows are added automatically—such as through a Google Form or chatbot builder—the automation may be delayed.
This is a known Google limitation.
In these cases, messages can be triggered up to 1 hour later.
4. Conditions and Values Aren’t Set Properly
To make sure your automation triggers correctly, follow these formatting tips:
When using actions like Column is updated or Row is updated, refer to columns using curly braces, like
{column_A}or{column_B}.Avoid using plain text like "Column A"—the curly brace format is required.
5. Conditions in the Automation Are Not Met
Check that all required conditions are fulfilled:
If your automation is based on multiple columns (e.g., Column D and Column E), ensure that none of those cells are empty.
Even one empty cell will prevent the message from being triggered.
6. You’ve Run Out of Credits
Your message won’t be sent if your account doesn’t have enough Wati credits.
Check your Wati dashboard to confirm your available credits.
Top up your credits if needed.
7. Rows Were Deleted and Then Added Back
The automation keeps track of row counts based on when the settings window was last opened.
If you delete rows, open the Sheet Automation window again before adding new ones.
This refreshes the row count and ensures the automation works correctly.
8. You're Not the Sheet Owner
Only the owner of the Google Sheet can trigger automations.
If someone else edits the sheet, their changes won’t trigger the automation.
Make sure any automation-triggering changes are made by the sheet owner.
Still Not Working?
Double-check each of these common causes, and you’ll likely find the reason your automation isn’t working. If you've reviewed all the steps and still need help, consider reaching out to the Wati support team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Setup Issues
1. What should I do if my endpoint isn’t triggering the Google Sheet automation?
→ Make sure you test the endpoint and token before saving them in your Google Sheet automation settings. If the test is successful, then save the settings.
2. Do I need to test the endpoint every time I make changes?
→ It’s a good idea to test the endpoint and token whenever you make changes, to ensure the connection is still working properly.
Data and Formula Limitations
3. Can I use formulas in the cells that trigger Google Sheet automation?
→ No, automation won’t be triggered if the cells contain formulas. Use static values instead.
4. What happens if new rows are added via Google Forms or a chatbot?
→ Due to a Google limitation, messages may be triggered up to 1 hour later when rows are added automatically by forms or bots.
Conditions and Formatting
5. How should I format columns in the Action section?
→ Use curly brace format like {column_A} or {column_B} instead of plain text. This ensures the automation recognizes the columns correctly.
6. Why isn't the message being triggered even though the row is updated?
→ Check if all the conditions are fully met. If any referenced column (e.g., Column D or E) has an empty cell, the message won’t be triggered.
Credits and Permissions
7. Will Google Sheet automation stop if I run out of Wati credits?
→ Yes, if your account has insufficient credits, messages will not be sent. Check your Wati dashboard to confirm and top up your credits if needed.
8. Do changes by collaborators trigger the Google Sheet automation?
→ No, only changes made by the owner of the Google Sheet can trigger the automation.
Sheet Behavior
9. What should I do if I delete rows and then add them back?
→ Open the Sheet Automation window again to refresh the row count. This ensures the automation can correctly track new rows.
10. Why does Google Sheet automation not trigger after I re-add rows?
→ The automation counts existing rows when the settings window is opened. Reopening it resets the count so newly added rows are recognized.