Fix Repeated Verification Codes for SharePoint Guest Users in Office
Question details
A SharePoint guest user is repeatedly asked to enter an email verification code when trying to access or edit shared documents.
- Product
- SharePoint and Office Desktop
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening or editing shared SharePoint documents as a guest user, particularly via the Office desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- The system repeatedly triggers an email verification loop instead of granting stable access to the shared files.
Ensure you are using the exact email address that the SharePoint document was shared with, and verify your network connection is stable before attempting to authenticate again.
Reset Office Activation State and Verify Entra ID
This solution isolates whether the issue is with the local Office desktop application or the Microsoft Entra ID guest configuration.
Authentication loops often occur when the Office desktop application's cached credentials conflict with the current session. Resetting the activation state clears these conflicts.
Open the shared document link in an incognito or private web browser window. If it opens normally without a code loop, the issue is isolated to your Office desktop app.
If the issue persists in the browser, contact the document owner to ensure your account was properly added and accepted as a guest in their Microsoft Entra ID.
On your computer, sign out of all accounts in the Office desktop application, clear your cached Office credentials from the Credential Manager, and reset the Office activation state.
Restart your computer, open Word or Excel, and sign in again using the authorized guest email account to access the shared content.
Contact Microsoft 365 Support
Use this step if resetting the activation state does not resolve the repeated verification prompts.
Experience Seamless Document Collaboration with WPS Office
If persistent authentication issues and verification loops in Microsoft Office are slowing down your workflow, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to view, edit, and share documents effortlessly without complex login barriers.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Open your downloaded Microsoft Office documents directly in WPS Office for immediate, seamless editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SharePoint keep asking for a verification code?
This usually happens if your guest session expires, if there is a conflict in your Office desktop activation state, or if the guest account wasn't fully configured by the administrator in Microsoft Entra ID.
How long does a SharePoint guest verification code last?
The verification code itself typically expires after 15 minutes. Once authenticated, the session duration is determined by the organization's tenant security settings.
Can I view SharePoint documents without receiving a verification code?
Yes, but only if the administrator shared the document using an 'Anyone with the link' setting, which allows anonymous access. Otherwise, guest verification is strictly required for security purposes.
