Cannot Share NotebookLM Notebook with Specific People

Quick Links: | Environment | Solution | Root Cause |

When you try to share a NotebookLM notebook with a specific Google account, the Share dialog does not list that person, even though they have a valid Google address and are within Chico State’s domain. This prevents people from collaborating or granting access to colleagues who need to view or edit the notebook. The issue only affects NotebookLM—other Google products (e.g., Docs, Drive) let you share with the same person without any trouble. This limitation impacts anyone who relies on NotebookLM for work, research, or instructional design.

Environment

This article is relevant to you if:

  • You are using NotebookLM (notebooklm.google.com) with your Chico State Google account.

  • You can share Google Drive files with the intended person, but that person does not appear in NotebookLM’s Share dialog.

  • You are working in a modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) on macOS, Windows, or ChromeOS.

The Google Workspace sharing settings for both users already allow internal sharing.

Solution

To fix the inability to share a NotebookLM notebook with specific people, follow these steps:

  1. In a new browser tab, open Google Drive.
  2. Right-select any file you do not mind sharing (a blank Google Doc works fine) and choose Share.
  3. Enter the target person’s full Google address, set the desired permission (e.g., Viewer), and select Send.
  4. Keep Drive open; wait about 30 seconds to ensure Google records the new sharing connection.
  5. Return to NotebookLM, refresh the page, and open the notebook you want to share.
  6. Select Share. The person you just invited to the Drive file should now appear in the suggestions list.
  7. Select their name, set the appropriate role (e.g., Can edit), and select Send.

Now the notebook is successfully shared, and the invited collaborator can access it directly from their Shared with me list in NotebookLM.

Root Cause

When NotebookLM determines who you can share a notebook with, it only lists Google accounts that already have a direct sharing relationship with the owner. Drive and other Google apps automatically search your entire domain directory, but NotebookLM currently does not. Establishing any prior share—such as a placeholder file in Drive—creates the necessary connection so NotebookLM recognizes the user.

Still need help? Reach out to the Technology & Learning Program for further assistance.

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