LanguageTool Not Working in Google Docs

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Reload the document

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   1. 01Save your work and reload the Google Docs tab
   2. 02Wait a few seconds for the LanguageTool icon to appear
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Update the extension

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   1. 01Firefox: open about:addons and check for updates (the late-2024 'Text is too short' bug was fixed in 8.13.2)
   2. 02Chrome: open chrome://extensions, turn on Developer mode, click Update
   3. 03Safari: update via the App Store or reinstall the extension
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Disable conflicting writing add-ons

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   1. 01Open your browser's extensions page
   2. 02Turn off other grammar or rewriting extensions and Docs add-ons
   3. 03Reload the document and test LanguageTool alone
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Use the Google Docs add-on instead

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   1. 01In Google Docs open Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons
   2. 02Search 'LanguageTool' and install the Grammar and Spell Checker add-on
   3. 03Open it from Extensions > Grammar and Spell Checker - LanguageTool
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. FIX 5Try a different browser

   1. 01If Firefox or Safari fails, open the document in Chrome or Edge, where fixes usually ship first
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

No underlines in a Google Doc, 'Text is too short' on long documents, suggestions that don't apply when clicked, or the add-on failing to connect.

Why it happens

• C-01Google changed Docs and the add-on/extension needs an update
• C-02Outdated Firefox or Safari extension version
• C-03Another writing add-on (e.g. InstaText) conflicts with LanguageTool
• C-04Free account: the extension no longer checks after the trial
• C-05Document open in Viewing instead of Editing mode

// this guide also covers

• languagetool google docs not working
• languagetool text is too short google docs
• languagetool add-on google docs failing

The same problem in other apps

All integrations, automations & extensions guides →

• Grammarly Not Working in Google Docs (Grammarly)
• QuillBot Chrome Extension Not Working (QuillBot)
• ProWritingAid Not Working in Google Docs (ProWritingAid)

Other LanguageTool errors

• LanguageTool Extension Stopped Working (Upgrade Required)
• LanguageTool Not Working in Word
• LanguageTool Detects the Wrong Language
• LanguageTool Slow and Using High Memory in Firefox
• LanguageTool Not Working in Overleaf
• LanguageTool Not Working in Chrome
• LanguageTool Text Too Long (Character Limit)
• LanguageTool Self-Hosted Server Setup (Use the Extension Free)