How to Create an Uneditable Auto-Incrementing SharePoint ID Column
Question details
The user wants to implement an uneditable, auto-incrementing ID column in a SharePoint list to serve as a unique identifier for items.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating or managing list items where a unique, auto-generating identifier is required for tracking and organizing data.
- Observed behavior
- SharePoint automatically generates a default, uneditable ID for each item, but users need to know how to make it visible or customize its format.
Ensure you have the necessary permissions (at least Edit or Design rights) to modify list views and column settings in your SharePoint site.
Display the Default Built-in SharePoint ID Column
SharePoint automatically provides a hidden, uneditable ID column for every list. The easiest solution is to simply make this column visible in your list view.
By default, SharePoint generates a unique, auto-incrementing integer for every new item added to a list. This field is strictly uneditable, ensuring robust data integrity.
Open your SharePoint site and navigate to the specific list where you want the ID column to appear.
Click on 'Add column' at the far right of the column headers, or click 'Show/hide columns' in the modern list view menu.
Scroll through the list of available columns, check the box next to 'ID', and click 'Apply'. The uneditable auto-incrementing number will now be displayed.
Create a Custom Auto-Incrementing Format using Calculated Columns
If you need a specific format (e.g., adding a prefix like 'INV-001'), you can use a calculated column alongside the default ID field.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the default SharePoint ID column back to 1?
No, the default SharePoint ID column automatically increments and cannot be reset. The only way to start the numbering back at 1 is to save your list as a template (without content) and create a completely new list.
Why is the SharePoint ID column hidden by default?
SharePoint hides the ID column by default to keep the interface uncluttered, as the 'Title' column is generally designated as the primary clickable identifier for users. It can be easily unhidden via the list view settings.
Can a site administrator edit the default SharePoint ID value?
No. The built-in ID column is uniquely generated by the SharePoint system backend. It is strictly uneditable by all users, including site owners and administrators, to maintain structural data integrity.
What happens to the ID number if I delete an item?
When an item is deleted, its ID is permanently retired. SharePoint does not recycle or reuse ID numbers. For example, if you delete item ID 5, the next item created will still be assigned ID 6.
