SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint JSON Buttons Opening Item Popups on Touch Devices

Maira Mehtab Sep 24, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to correct the behavior of custom JSON formatting buttons in SharePoint that fail to follow links when tapped on specific touch screens.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: Windows (Touch-enabled), Android
Scenario: Tapping custom JSON-formatted hyperlink buttons inside a SharePoint list or library on a touch-enabled device.
Observed behavior: The JSON buttons function correctly on desktop and iOS devices, but on Windows and Android touch devices, tapping the button unexpectedly triggers the SharePoint item popup instead of navigating to the intended URL.

Before you start

Ensure you have a copy of your complete JSON formatting code handy, and make a note of the specific browser versions where this touch malfunction occurs.

Solution 1Recommended

Consult the Microsoft SharePoint Development Team

Because this issue stems from how SharePoint's backend handles touch event bubbling on specific operating systems, engaging Microsoft's specialized developer Q&A is the most effective way to obtain a targeted code workaround.

SharePoint list views often intercept tap events on Windows and Android mobile browsers differently than on iOS. This intercepts the interaction before the JSON button can execute its link, triggering the default row action (opening the details popup) instead.

Navigate to the Q&A Portal

Open your web browser and go to the SharePoint Development section on Microsoft Q&A at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/topics/382862/sharepoint-dev.html.

Draft Your Question

Click to ask a new question. Clearly describe the problem, making sure to specify that the buttons work on iOS and desktop but fail on touch-enabled Windows and Android devices.

Provide Your JSON Code Properly

Insert your custom JSON formatting code into the post. Be sure to use the 'Code Block' formatting tool in the editor rather than pasting it as plain text to prevent generic submission errors.

Submit and Monitor

Submit the question. The specialized SharePoint team will investigate the touch-device behavior and reply with an adjusted JSON structure or system workaround.

Handling Submission Errors: If you receive a generic error message when trying to submit your question twice, it is usually caused by plain-text code triggering spam filters. Use code formatting blocks or try logging in with a different Microsoft account.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do SharePoint JSON buttons work on iOS but not Android touch devices?

Different mobile operating systems and browsers interpret touch events (like 'tap' vs. 'click') differently. On Android and touch-enabled Windows screens, SharePoint's default list view behavior intercepts the tap event to open the row details before the JSON button's hyperlink action can register.

Can I use CSS pointer-events to fix this SharePoint touch issue?

While modifying CSS properties like pointer-events can sometimes alter click behavior, it often fails to resolve deeper event bubbling issues on touch devices within SharePoint lists. A specific JSON attribute adjustment or developer intervention from Microsoft is typically required.

Why do I get a generic error when posting code on Microsoft Q&A?

Pasting raw JSON or programming code as plain text frequently triggers automated security and spam filters on forum platforms. Always use the built-in code block feature (usually a {} or </> icon) when sharing your SharePoint JSON snippets to avoid submission errors.

Document & File Issues