The delayed update and timestamp issue in Google Sheets you experienced while in China could have been caused by several factors, primarily related to network connectivity, restrictions, and syncing mechanisms. Here’s a breakdown of the possible causes:

1. Internet Restrictions (Great Firewall of China): Google services, including Google Sheets, are often blocked or heavily restricted in China. If you accessed Sheets through a VPN or proxy, it may have caused delays due to: Unstable or throttled connections. Difficulty establishing a continuous link to Google servers.
2. Network Connectivity Issues: Weak or inconsistent internet connectivity can prevent real-time updates in cloud-based services. Changes made offline are typically queued and synced when the connection stabilizes. This syncing could have taken longer due to connectivity challenges.
3. Offline Mode in Google Sheets: If you enabled offline access, your edits would be saved locally and synced to the cloud when you regained internet access. The delay in syncing could have caused the changes to appear with a delayed timestamp once the update reached Google’s servers.
4. Time Zone Discrepancy: If your device or Google account settings were in a different time zone than the Google Sheets file's default timezone, the timestamps might reflect the server's time when the update was received, not when it was made.
5. Google Servers or App-Specific Delays: Temporary issues with Google's syncing services or server processing times could cause updates to be delayed. Suggestions to Prevent Such Issues: Use a Reliable VPN:

Ensure you have a high-quality VPN if accessing Google services in regions with restrictions. Verify Offline Access:

Enable offline editing in Google Sheets before traveling, so edits are saved and synced seamlessly. Stable Internet Connection: Use a stable and reliable network to minimize syncing delays.

Check Time Zone Settings: Ensure your Google account and Sheets file are set to the same or desired time zone to avoid timestamp confusion. Would you like help troubleshooting or preparing for future use cases like this?

Here are actionable steps to ensure smoother usage of Google Sheets and other cloud-based services while in restricted regions like China:

Before Traveling to China:

Enable Offline Access in Google Sheets: Open Google Drive or Google Sheets. Go to Settings > General > Turn on Offline. This allows you to edit files offline, and changes will sync automatically when you're back online.

Set Up a Reliable VPN: Research and subscribe to a VPN known to work in China (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark). Install and test the VPN on all your devices before traveling. Configure the VPN for auto-connect on startup to avoid interruptions.

Check Time Zone Settings: Update your Google account timezone under Google Account Settings > Personal Info > Date & Time. Verify the spreadsheet’s timezone under File > Settings in Google Sheets.

Download Mobile Apps: Ensure the Google Sheets app is installed and up-to-date on your phone or tablet. Install additional tools, such as Google Drive, for better file management. While in China: Use the VPN:

Connect to your VPN before accessing Google Sheets. Select a server location near China but outside its borders (e.g., Hong Kong, Japan).

Avoid Public Wi-Fi:

Public networks may have stricter blocks or unstable connections. Use mobile data or a personal hotspot when possible. Keep Files Small:

Avoid working on large or heavily collaborative sheets, as syncing might be slower in restricted environments. Backup Data Locally:

Regularly download a copy of your spreadsheet (e.g., in Excel or CSV format) as a backup. To do this: File > Download > Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) or Comma-separated values (.csv). After Returning or Reconnecting: Force a Manual Sync:

Open Google Sheets and ensure the VPN is active. Reload the page or app to trigger a sync. Check the Last Edit Details to confirm all changes were successfully synced. Resolve Conflicts:

If you edited a file offline, and someone else also worked on it online, Google Sheets may prompt you to merge changes. Carefully review the conflict resolution prompts to avoid overwriting critical edits.

Verify Timestamp Accuracy:

Review the Version History in Google Sheets (File > Version History > See Version History) to ensure all edits are recorded properly. Long-Term Solution: Consider using an alternative service that operates without restrictions in China, such as Microsoft Excel with OneDrive or Zoho Sheets, which may face fewer connectivity issues in restricted regions. Would you like a walkthrough of setting up offline editing or using VPNs? Or perhaps assistance with any other tools?