Looker Studio Report Not Updating with Changes in Connected Excel File

[pereimpell]

I have created a Looker Studio report that is connected to an Excel file as the data source. However, I'm encountering an issue where the report is not dynamically updating to reflect any changes made to the underlying Excel file.

Steps Taken:

• Verified Data Source: I have double-checked that the correct Excel file is linked within the Looker Studio report.
• Refreshed Data: I have attempted to refresh the data within the report using the "Refresh Data" option, but the report still displays the old data.
• Waited for Automatic Updates: I have waited more than 24 hours for the report to automatically update, but no updates have occurred.
• Checked for Errors: I have reviewed the report for any error messages or warnings that might indicate a problem with the data connection.

Environment:

• I am using the free version of Looker Studio.
• The Excel file is stored in the local drive of my computer.

[mars124 · Accepted solution]

Technically, the Microsoft Excel connector only connects you to an “uploaded” version of your local Excel file stored in a Google Cloud Storage bucket. As a result, any updates to your local file will not be reflected in your Looker Studio report.

A workable alternative would be to upload your Excel file to your Google Drive, convert it to Google Sheets, and then use that as your data source. This ensures that your updates will be reflected in your report.

[pereimpell]

Thank you so much for your support! I really appreciate you taking the time to help.

You mentioned that Looker Studio connects to an "uploaded" version of my local Excel file stored in a Google Cloud Storage bucket.

I have a question: Is there a way to manually update this "uploaded" version of my Excel file in the Google Cloud Storage bucket?

Thank you again for your assistance.

[mars124]

If working with Google Sheets is not an option, manually updating the uploaded version in your Google Cloud Storage bucket may be too tedious. Another workable alternative is to add multiple files to a single Microsoft Excel connector.

Here’s a step-by-step guide if you are not familiar with the process:
1. Go to your data source
2. Click “Edit Connection”
3. Under the “Available Files” section, click “+ New”
4. After the upload completes, select the newly uploaded file and reconnect your data source.

Note: you can upload the same file again.

[eldderri]

I wonder what is the benefit of creating excel connector since looker studio does  not update report when excel file is updated!

Concerning your last suggestion ,if I have already setup a report then I change the source ,the report may stop working.Tell me if I am wrrong?

[mars124]

No, your report should continue working. If your new file keeps the same column names and data types, Looker Studio should recognize the fields without issue. You’ll likely see a “configuration changed” message, and any new, missing, or changed fields will be highlighted. Preserving your schema—column names, data types, and structure—ensures your existing charts and tables remain intact.

For your other point: an online report rarely refreshes in real time if the underlying file is offline or only sporadically available. While a connector may pull data once, it won’t reliably handle automated or frequent updates if the file isn’t continuously accessible.

Even in Microsoft's Power BI, for example, you need to store your Excel file on SharePoint to keep it always accessible. In Google Workspace, the equivalent approach is converting your Excel file to Google Sheets for ongoing access and updates.

[eldderri]

So , whenever I made changes in my excel file ,I have to reconnect my data .That is what I have understood so far and reports should be intact as far no change in columns has been done.

Thank you