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Common Causes of Google Apps Script Deployment Issues & How to Fix Them
If your Google Apps Script deployment is not working as expected, the issue is usually related to permissions, deployment configuration, or incorrect execution context. Below are the most common causes and their solutions.
1. Changes Not Reflecting After Deployment
Problem:
You updated the script, but the deployed version still runs old code.
Solution:
Every deployment is a snapshot. After making changes:
Go to Deploy → Manage deployments
Click Edit
Select New version
Save and redeploy
Without creating a new version, updates will not be applied.
2. Authorization / Permission Errors
Problem:
Script fails with authorization errors or doesn’t prompt for permissions.
Solution:
Run any function manually once from the editor to trigger the authorization flow.
Ensure the correct scopes are listed in appsscript.json.
Re-deploy after granting permissions.
For Web Apps, confirm:
Execute as: Me
Who has access: Anyone or Anyone with Google account (based on use case)
3. Web App Returns 403 or 404
Problem:
Accessing the Web App URL results in permission denied or not found.
Solution:
Confirm the deployment type is Web app
Use the latest deployment URL, not an old one
Verify access level is not restricted
Ensure doGet(e) or doPost(e) exists
Example:
function doGet(e) { return ContentService.createTextOutput("Hello World"); }4. Script Works in Editor but Not When Deployed
Problem:
The script runs fine manually but fails when accessed externally.
Solution:
This is usually due to:
Use of services requiring authorization without proper scopes
Accessing restricted services (like Gmail/Drive) in anonymous mode
Missing try/catch hiding runtime errors
Check Executions → Logs to view actual runtime errors.
5. Deployment Using Wrong Google Account
Problem:
Deployment behaves differently for different users.
Solution:
Ensure the script owner is the correct account
Re-deploy after transferring ownership if needed
Confirm users have access to required resources (Sheets, Drive files, etc.)
6. Cached Old Deployment URL
Problem:
App still behaves like the old version after redeployment.
Solution:
Always use the new deployment URL
Clear browser cache or test in Incognito mode
