A long Google Docs document is much easier to navigate when readers can jump directly to the section they need.
Instead of typing page numbers and section titles manually, you can create an automatic table of contents that links to your document headings.
In this guide, you'll learn how to create a table of contents in Google Docs, update it after making changes, customize its appearance, and fix missing headings or page numbers.
We'll also explain what works on iPhone, iPad, and Android, and why Pages and Pageless documents behave differently.
First, format your section titles using Heading 1, Heading 2, or Heading 3. Then place the cursor where the table of contents should appear and select Insert > Page elements > Table of contents. Choose a style. After editing your headings, refresh the table of contents to update the entries.
What Is a Table of Contents in Google Docs?
A table of contents is a list of document sections that helps readers navigate to the information they want.
In Google Docs, an automatic table of contents uses the document's formatted headings. Each entry links to its corresponding heading.
Depending on the document format and table style, you can also display page numbers.
Illustrative table of contents only. Actual page numbers depend on your document layout.
Why Use an Automatic Table of Contents?
Step 1: Format Your Headings Correctly
Before inserting a table of contents, make sure the document contains actual Google Docs heading styles.
Making a line bold or increasing its font size is not the same as applying a heading style.
How to Apply Heading Styles
Open the document where you want to create a table of contents.
Highlight the text that should appear in the table of contents.
Click the style dropdown in the toolbar, often labeled Normal text.
Use Heading 1 for major sections, Heading 2 for subsections, and Heading 3 for smaller subdivisions.
Apply headings consistently so Google Docs can build the correct structure.
| Style | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| Title | Main document title |
| Heading 1 | Main sections or chapters |
| Heading 2 | Subsections within Heading 1 |
| Heading 3 | Smaller sections within Heading 2 |
| Normal text | Regular body paragraphs |
If your table of contents is missing a heading, check the paragraph style first. A visually large, bold title may still be formatted as Normal text.
Step 2: Insert a Table of Contents in Google Docs
Once your headings are formatted, you can insert the automatic table of contents.
Insert a Table of Contents on a Computer
Click where you want the table of contents. Many reports place it after the cover page and before the introduction.
Select Insert from the top menu bar.
Find Page elements in the Insert menu.
Open the table of contents options.
In Pages format, choose an available layout such as a linked table of contents or one with page numbers.
Check that the table includes the expected sections and links.
If your document does not include the right headings, the table of contents may be empty or incomplete.
How to Make a Table of Contents With Page Numbers
For printed reports, page numbers help readers locate sections in a physical copy.
Use the Pages document format and select a table of contents style that displays page numbers.
Pageless documents have fewer table of contents options because they do not use conventional page numbers. If your table needs page numbers, switch to Pages format.
Step 3: Update Your Table of Contents
After adding a new section or renaming a heading, the existing table may not immediately reflect the change.
Add, rename, or remove document headings.
Click inside the existing table.
Click the Refresh icon associated with the table of contents.
Make sure new sections, renamed headings, and relevant page numbers appear correctly.
Refresh the table after adding or renaming headings, reorganizing sections, or making substantial changes to page layout.
How to Customize a Google Docs Table of Contents
Google Docs provides options to adjust which headings appear and how the table of contents looks.
Select the table you want to edit.
Use the available More options control associated with the table.
Adjust available settings, including formatting, heading levels, and indentation.
Confirm that the table remains easy to read and navigate.
Google Docs does not offer the same table of contents formatting options in Pageless mode. Switch to Pages if you need a table with page numbers or more formatting control.
How to Remove a Table of Contents in Google Docs
If you no longer need the automatic table, you can remove it without deleting the headings in the document.
Click the existing table in your document.
Right-click the table of contents.
Remove the table while leaving your document headings intact.
How to Create a Table of Contents on iPhone, iPad, and Android
The available features differ between the Google Docs mobile apps.
| Device | Can Insert a TOC? |
|---|---|
| Windows / Mac computer | Yes, using the Insert menu |
| iPhone / iPad app | Yes, with Print layout enabled |
| Android app | Not supported directly in the Android app |
On iPhone or iPad
Use the Google Docs app on your iPhone or iPad.
Make sure Print layout is enabled and your document includes proper Heading or Title styles.
Enter editing mode and place the cursor where the table should appear.
Use the Insert or plus control in the toolbar.
Choose the available table of contents appearance.
On Android
According to Google's official Android documentation, the Google Docs Android app does not currently support inserting a table of contents.
You can still format the document headings in the Android app, then use Google Docs on a computer to insert the table.
Format your sections with Heading 1, Heading 2, and Heading 3 on Android. When you have access to a computer, open the same document and insert the table of contents.
Why Is My Google Docs Table of Contents Not Working?
1. Headings Are Missing
Make sure each section uses an actual Heading or Title style rather than only bold or larger text.
2. The Table Has Old Section Titles
Click the existing table of contents and use Refresh after editing your headings.
3. Page Numbers Are Missing
Check whether the document is in Pageless mode or whether you selected a linked style without page numbers.
4. The Insert Option Is Missing
Check your editing permissions and device. The Android mobile app does not support inserting a table of contents.
5. A Heading Appears at the Wrong Level
Check whether it uses Heading 1, Heading 2, or another heading level. Update the style, then refresh the table.
6. The Links Do Not Jump to the Expected Section
Make sure the table was inserted using the built-in feature rather than typed manually. Test the links and refresh the table.
7. The Table Looks Different in Pageless
Pageless format has limited table formatting options. Switch to Pages for more traditional page-based layouts.
Tips for a Professional Table of Contents
✓ Use a consistent hierarchy of headings.
✓ Avoid skipping heading levels unnecessarily.
✓ Put the table near the start of a long report.
✓ Use Pages when printed page numbers are essential.
✓ Refresh the table after editing headings.
✓ Test links before sharing the document.
✓ Review the exported PDF if the document will be printed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply heading styles, place the cursor where the table should appear, then choose Insert, Page elements, and Table of contents.
Google Docs can generate a table from your headings, but you need to insert the table and refresh it when necessary.
Edit the headings, click inside the table of contents, and use Refresh.
The text may not use a Heading or Title style. Correct its style and refresh the table.
Use Pages format and choose an available table of contents style with page numbers.
Yes. In the Google Docs iOS app, enable Print layout, use heading styles, and choose Table of contents from Insert.
Not directly in the Google Docs Android app. Use Google Docs on a computer to insert the table.
Yes. The built-in table creates links to document headings, making navigation easier.
Yes, using the table of contents options where supported. Options are more limited in Pageless.
Right-click the existing table and select Delete table of contents.
Official Google Docs Documentation
For the latest Google Docs instructions, refer to these official help pages.
Google Docs Help — Table of Contents on Computer
Google Docs Help — Table of Contents on iPhone and iPad
Google Docs Help — Headings and Table of Contents on Android
More Helpful Guides From Egglover Desk
A clear table of contents starts with proper heading styles. Apply Heading 1, Heading 2, and Heading 3 consistently, then use Insert, Page elements, and Table of contents. Refresh the table whenever the document structure changes, and switch to Pages when you need printed page numbers.
Egglover Desk · Reviewed October 2026