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How to Fix SharePoint External Sharing Invitations Not Received
Question details
The user sent an external SharePoint sharing invitation, but the recipient did not receive it even after waiting for over a week and resending it multiple times.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a SharePoint file or folder with an external guest user.
- Observed behavior
- The external user does not receive the automated sharing invitation email from SharePoint, preventing them from accessing the shared resource.
Before troubleshooting, verify the exact email address of the external user and confirm that your organization's Microsoft 365 policies allow sharing with external guests.
Send the Raw Sharing Link Directly
Bypassing the automated email system by sending a direct sharing link is the fastest and most reliable way to grant access.
In many cases, the automated emails sent by SharePoint are blocked or delayed by external mail servers. Generating a direct sharing link allows you to send the invitation via your preferred communication method.
Navigate to the file or folder in your SharePoint document library that you want to share and click the 'Share' icon.
Set the appropriate permission levels for the external user (e.g., Can view or Can edit) in the sharing dialog box.
Instead of entering the user's email address and clicking Send, click on the 'Copy link' button at the bottom of the sharing dialog.
Paste the copied link into a direct email, Teams chat, or any messaging app, and send it to the external user manually.
Check Email Folders and Spam Settings
Ensure the invitation email hasn't been filtered out by the recipient's or sender's email security settings.
Contact Microsoft 365 Support for Backend Analysis
If automated emails consistently fail to deliver, the tenant's backend sharing service may require administrative investigation.
Collaborate Smoothly with WPS Office
If you are facing persistent issues with Microsoft 365 sharing services, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative with built-in cloud sharing features for seamless document collaboration.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open the document you wish to collaborate on.
- 2. Click Share: Click the 'Share' button located in the top right corner of the workspace.
- 3. Create a Link: Select 'Create Link' to generate a direct, secure link for your file.
- 4. Send to Collaborators: Copy the generated link and send it directly to your external collaborators via email or chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my SharePoint external sharing emails not sending?
This can happen due to strict spam filters blocking the automated SharePoint email, the recipient's email server rejecting the Microsoft domain, or backend service disruptions within your Microsoft 365 tenant.
How do I generate a raw sharing link in SharePoint?
Select the file or folder, click the Share icon, configure your desired access permissions (view or edit), and click the 'Copy link' button instead of entering an email address.
What are HAR logs and why does Microsoft Support need them?
HAR (HTTP Archive) logs record the detailed network requests between your web browser and the SharePoint server. Microsoft Support uses them to accurately diagnose backend failures when sharing invitations are not properly triggered.
Can I share a SharePoint link from my mobile device?
Yes, you can use the SharePoint or OneDrive mobile app to navigate to the file, tap the more options (three dots) menu, and select 'Copy Link' to share it via any messaging application on your phone.
