Can OneDrive Sharing Verification Use SMS or Phone Calls?
Question details
The user wants to use an SMS text message or a phone call for multi-factor authentication when sharing client files via OneDrive's 'People you choose' feature.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing sensitive client files securely using the 'People you choose' sharing link option while requiring multifactor authentication.
- Observed behavior
- The verification code is currently only sent to the invited user's email address, without an option to input a phone number for SMS or phone call verification.
Confirm with your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator if there are any specific Azure Active Directory external sharing policies or conditional access rules already in place for guest users.
Understand the Email Verification Limitation in OneDrive
Currently, OneDrive natively restricts link verification to email only, without supporting direct SMS or phone call authentication for the 'People you choose' option.
When using the 'People you choose' sharing method in Microsoft OneDrive, the system requires the recipient to verify their identity. Currently, this verification code is sent exclusively to the email address that was originally invited.
There is no built-in field or feature to enter a phone number to receive an SMS or a phone call for this specific file-sharing verification process.
Enter the recipient's email address in the 'Send link' dialogue box. Inform your client that a verification code will be sent to this email when they attempt to open the file.
If you require SMS verification for compliance or strict security reasons, navigate to the Microsoft Feedback portal to vote for or submit this specific feature request for future OneDrive updates.
Use Password-Protected Links as an Alternative Security Measure
If you need an additional layer of security beyond simple email verification, consider setting a custom password and delivering it to the client via SMS.
Experience Secure File Sharing with WPS Office
While Microsoft OneDrive has restrictions on its verification methods, you can seamlessly manage and share your documents using WPS Office. As a lightweight, highly compatible alternative, WPS Office provides secure cloud storage and intuitive sharing options.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device in minutes.
- 2. Open Existing Documents: Open your existing Microsoft Office files directly in WPS Office with zero formatting loss.
- 3. Securely Share Files: Use WPS Cloud to share files securely with customized permissions, expiration dates, and password protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I require SMS verification for external users in SharePoint?
Similar to OneDrive, standard SharePoint external link sharing relies on email-based verification codes. While custom multi-factor authentication (MFA) policies requiring SMS might be configurable via Entra ID (Azure AD) by an IT administrator for guest accounts, it is not native to standard link sharing.
Is email verification secure enough for sharing client files?
Email verification ensures that only individuals with access to the invited email account can open the document. However, if your compliance requirements dictate true two-factor authentication (like an SMS text), you may need to utilize secure out-of-band password sharing or a dedicated secure file transfer solution.
How long is the OneDrive email verification code valid?
The verification code sent to the recipient's email address is generally valid for 15 minutes. If the recipient does not input the code within this timeframe, they will be prompted to request a new verification code.
