Fix SharePoint Modern List Validation Message Not Showing
Question details
The user's custom validation error message in a SharePoint list is replaced by a generic server error in the modern experience, even though it works correctly in classic view.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Entering invalid data into a SharePoint list form that has custom validation formulas configured in the modern experience.
- Observed behavior
- The custom validation message fails to display, and a generic server error is shown to the user instead.
Verify that your validation formula is absolutely correct by testing it in the classic SharePoint list view. If it displays the proper message there, your formula is fine and you are experiencing the modern view bug.
Report the Issue via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Since this is a recognized server-side bug in the modern experience, escalating to Microsoft Support is the official path to resolution.
This behavior is a known server-side issue affecting how the modern SharePoint list experience handles validation outputs. Because it requires a backend fix from Microsoft, you will need your administrator to open a support ticket.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center using an account with administrator privileges.
On the left navigation menu, click on 'Support' and then select 'New service request'.
Provide detailed reproduction steps. Explicitly state that the validation rule prevents the save, but the message fails to render in the modern view while working perfectly in the classic view.
Use the Classic Experience as a Workaround
Temporarily switch your list to the classic experience where custom validation messages render correctly.
Use Power Apps Form Customization
Customize the list form using Power Apps to handle validation and display custom error messages on the client side.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my SharePoint validation message show a generic error?
This is a known server-side bug in the SharePoint modern list experience. The modern UI sometimes fails to parse and return the custom validation text from the server, resulting in a generic server error instead.
Will my list validation formula still prevent invalid data in modern view?
Yes, the backend validation logic remains functional. The formula will successfully prevent invalid data from being saved into the list; only the front-end display of the specific error message is broken.
How can I check if my validation formula is written correctly?
You can verify your formula by temporarily switching your list to the classic experience. If the custom error message displays correctly when a user breaks the rule in classic view, your formula is written correctly and the issue is strictly with the modern view interface.
