A clear, human explanation of what “https://docs.google.com/document/__pii_deleted__” means, why it shows up in Google Docs or Sheets, and how to fix issues related to broken links, missing data, or removed personal information.
Introduction
Most people see “pii_deleted” in a Google Docs or Google Sheets link and think something is broken. And yes, something is off, but it’s not a virus or your computer. Google adds this placeholder when the original link contained personal information. When that data gets removed or blocked, you end up with a URL that looks strange or half-missing. That’s the short version. But there’s more to it, especially if you’re trying to understand why documents stop loading or why Sheets formulas start returning errors.
Let’s go through it step by step, clearly and without trying to sound like a textbook.
What “pii_deleted” Means Inside a Google Docs Link
Google uses the phrase “Personally Identifiable Information,” often shortened to PII, to describe things like a person’s name, email address, phone number, or any detail tied directly to an individual. If something in a link contains that kind of information, Google may remove it for safety reasons.
Instead of leaving a blank space, Google replaces the sensitive part with __pii_deleted__.
So a normal URL might look like:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/123abc456
But if it once held personal data, or if Google thinks it did, the system hides that piece and leaves:
https://docs.google.com/document/__pii_deleted__
This placeholder tells you the removed part is gone for good. The document might still exist somewhere, but the link you’re holding won’t lead back to it.
Google isn’t doing this to annoy you. The system is built to prevent accidental sharing of private data. There are a few common situations where this happens:
Sometimes a link is generated with an email address or an internal ID. Google will strip it out so it doesn’t get passed along.
2. The document used to be public and was later restricted
Once a file’s permissions change, any link that includes identifying pieces may get rewritten.
3. A script or add-on tried to access protected data
In Google Sheets, especially, formulas like IMPORTRANGE or scripts can break if they point to a document that is no longer accessible.
4. The document or spreadsheet was deleted
When Google can’t resolve the link, the system replaces the missing part with the placeholder.
The main idea is simple: the link no longer knows where to go because Google removed the sensitive part or blocked access to it.
Common Problems People See When This Happens
You might be dealing with one of these issues:
1. The document doesn’t load at all
You click the link, and you land on an error page. Nothing you do will restore the original file via that URL.
Many users first notice the problem inside Sheets. IMPORTRANGE, scripts, and lookup functions stop pulling data. You might see errors like:
- #REF!
- #N/A
- or blank cells where data used to appear
This usually means the spreadsheet can’t access the file anymore because part of the link was removed.
3. Versions don’t match what you expect
If someone sent a link but later changed permissions, the system hides parts of the URL for safety.
4. A website embeds a Google Doc that suddenly won’t load
Many blogs link to Google Docs. If the original file becomes private, the link becomes “cleaned up,” leaving the placeholder text.
How to Fix the “pii_deleted” Problem
There isn’t a single button to restore the original link, because Google completely wipes out the identifying information. But there are practical steps you can take to regain access or rebuild the connection.
Step 1: Ask for the correct link again
This is the simplest fix. If the document belongs to someone, have them open it and create a fresh share link. The new URL won’t contain the removed piece.
Step 2: Check permissions
If you no longer have access, the file owner must re-add you. That applies to:
- View access
- Edit access
- Share-with-link settings
Many errors in Sheets disappear once the correct sharing permission is restored.
Step 3: Look through version history
If you are the owner, you can open the document and check earlier versions. The link won’t return to the old format, but you can usually recover the content.
Step 4: Replace broken Sheet imports
If IMPORTRANGE is failing:
- Copy the new document link.
- Replace the old one with the new one inside the formula.
- Re-authorize access if prompted.
Sheets requires permission to pull data from another file. If access changes, the import stops working.
Step 5: Confirm the document wasn’t deleted
If the file is gone, there’s no recovery from the link itself. You may still find it in Google Drive trash if you deleted it recently.
How This Compares to Other Google Document Errors
Users sometimes confuse “pii_deleted” with other issues in Google Docs. Here’s how it stacks up.
Compared to “File Not Found” Errors
“File Not Found” usually means the file is missing or you don’t have access to it.
__pii_deleted__ specifically means the link itself was altered to remove sensitive data.
Compared to Permission Denied
With “Permission Denied,” the link is fine, but you’re not allowed inside.
With __pii_deleted__, the link itself has missing parts.
Compared to Broken Embeds
On websites, Google Docs can stop loading if the file becomes private. But the URL usually stays intact.
__pii_deleted__ is more severe because part of the URL is replaced entirely.
Compared to Script or Add-On Errors
Scripts fail when they lose access to connected files.
__pii_deleted__ appears when the link they rely on has been cleaned of personal info.
When You Should Be Concerned
This isn’t a dangerous error, but it can cause problems if:
- You rely on shared spreadsheets for work or school.
- A website depends on an embedded Doc.
- You manage data pipelines in Google Sheets.
- You handle documents through automated systems or integrations.
If one link turns into __pii_deleted__, other connected files may also break, especially in large Sheets networks.
FAQs
Q1: Can I recover the original link?
No. Once Google removes the sensitive part, it no longer stores the old version of the URL. You need a fresh link from the file owner.
Q2: Is this caused by malware?
No. It’s a privacy protection mechanism, not a sign of infection.
Q3: Can this happen again?
Yes. If someone shares a link that includes personal details, Google may strip it again.
They depend on access to the original file. When the link changes or access is removed, the formulas can’t pull data anymore.
Q5: Can websites still embed the file?
Only if the new link is valid and the document is properly set to public or shared.
Conclusion
“https://docs.google.com/document/__pii_deleted__” isn’t an error in the traditional sense. It’s more of a sign that the original link contained something Google didn’t want to expose. Maybe it was an email address. Maybe the owner locked the file. Maybe the document was deleted. Whatever the case, once Google replaces part of a URL with a placeholder, the missing piece is not restored.
