SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint REST API Default Column Value Disappearing

Elise Williams Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where a default value set for a SharePoint custom column via REST API disappears after being linked to a content type.

How to Fix SharePoint REST API Default Column Value Disappearing

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting default values for custom columns in SharePoint using the REST API.
Observed behavior: The default column value appears initially but disappears when the column is associated with a content type or document library.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure you have the correct SharePoint REST API endpoint permissions and have a backup of the current field schema and content type configurations.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Field and Content-Type Instance Settings

Ensure the REST API request applies the default value to the correct field and content-type instance rather than a temporary object.

When applying properties via the SharePoint REST API, modifications made to a temporary list-field object might be overwritten during synchronization. It is crucial to verify the configuration directly on the content-type instance.

Check the target object

Ensure the default value is being set on the actual content-type instance or library field, not just a temporary list-field object.

Compare post-sync configurations

Verify the field's DefaultValue, the content type's field link, and the library's field configuration after the synchronization process is fully complete.

Review the API payload

Check your REST request and response payload to confirm the schema update was successfully committed without errors.

Verify Field and Content-Type Instance Settings

Avoid Overwriting: Avoid repeatedly overwriting the field via API until the exact source of the value disappearance is identified to prevent configuration conflicts.

Solution 2

Consult the SharePoint Development Community

Since this involves custom REST API development, seeking specialized help from Microsoft Q&A may provide deeper insights.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do SharePoint custom column default values disappear?

This typically occurs when a default value is applied to a temporary list-field object instead of the actual content-type instance, or when synchronization between the field and the document library overrides the custom REST API setting.

How can I check the field schema in SharePoint?

You can retrieve the field schema by making a GET request to the SharePoint REST API endpoint for the specific field, which will return the schema detailing the DefaultValue and other configured properties.

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Document & File Issues