Google: Turn Off Drive Notifications for Specific Shared Files

Environment

Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides in a web browser

Issue

I receive email notifications for comments and updates on specific Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides that were shared with me, and I want to stop notifications for those individual files without changing my global Google Drive notification settings.

Resolution

To turn off notifications for a specific Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file:

1. Open the shared document, spreadsheet, or presentation in Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
2. Depending on the app:
   • For Docs/Slides: Click Tools in the toolbar and select Notification settings.
   • For Sheets or comments-focused views: Click Tools in the toolbar, hover over Notification settings, and select Comment notifications.
     • If you do not find this option, it is likely because you only have Viewer access to the file.
3. Select None and click OK.

You will no longer receive notifications for that specific file.

Additional Information

Turning off notifications for a specific file only affects that file. Other shared documents, spreadsheets, or presentations will continue to send notifications based on their own notification settings and your global Google Drive/Google Workspace notification preferences.

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.