How to Show the SharePoint ID Field in List View Settings
Question details
The user wants to display the built-in SharePoint ID or AutoNumber field in their list view settings and potentially create a custom auto-incrementing number column.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Configuring list view settings to display unique item identifiers for better record tracking.
- Observed behavior
- The built-in ID column exists but may not appear as an editable field in all view configurations, prompting the need to unhide it or create a custom alternative.
Ensure you have the necessary list management permissions (such as Edit or Full Control) in your SharePoint site to modify view settings and create new columns.
Show the Built-in SharePoint ID Column in View Settings
Every SharePoint list automatically generates an ID column. You can make it visible by modifying the current list view.
The default ID column is a system-generated, auto-incrementing number that uniquely identifies every item in a SharePoint list. While it is hidden by default in many modern list views, it can be easily toggled on without requiring any complex configuration.
Open your browser and navigate to the target SharePoint list where you want to display the ID field.
Click on 'Add column' at the far right of your list headers, or click the 'All Items' view dropdown menu in the top right corner of the list.
Choose 'Show or hide columns' from the dropdown menu to open the column visibility pane on the right side of the screen.
Scroll through the available columns, check the box next to 'ID', and click 'Apply' to display the field in your current view.
Create a Custom Auto-Incrementing Number Field using Power Automate
If you need a separately configurable ID format, use Power Automate to generate a custom auto-incrementing value based on the default ID.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I use the built-in SharePoint ID in a calculated column?
SharePoint assigns the built-in ID only after the item is fully created and saved to the database. Because calculated columns evaluate at the exact moment of creation, the ID does not yet exist to be referenced, resulting in an error or a zero value.
Can I reset the SharePoint ID numbering back to 1?
No, the built-in SharePoint ID is a system-controlled auto-incrementing integer managed by the SQL database backend. If you delete items, those specific IDs are permanently skipped. You cannot reset the counter without completely deleting and recreating the list.
Is the SharePoint ID field editable by administrators?
No, the system-generated ID column is strictly read-only for all users, including site administrators. If you require an editable identifier for your records, you must create a separate custom text or number column.
