MFA & Verification Issues

How to Fix External Users Not Receiving OneDrive Verification Codes

Natalie Taylor Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

External users are receiving OneDrive sharing emails but are not getting the required verification codes to access the shared files.

How to Fix External Users Not Receiving OneDrive Verification Codes

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: An external recipient attempts to access a secure OneDrive shared link but fails to receive the email containing the One-Time Passcode (OTP).
Observed behavior: The initial sharing email successfully arrives, but after clicking the link and requesting the verification code, the code email never arrives in the recipient's inbox.

Before you start

Ensure the recipient is checking the exact email address that the OneDrive file was shared with and that their mailbox storage is not completely full.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Junk Folder and Add Sender to Contacts

Often, automated verification emails are routed to the spam folder or blocked by strict email filters.

Microsoft's verification codes are sent from an automated address. Adding this specific domain to your safe senders list or contacts ensures the email provider does not block the incoming code.

Use an InPrivate browser window

Open an InPrivate or Incognito browser window and navigate to Outlook on the web or your respective email client.

Check alternative folders

Thoroughly check both the Inbox and Junk Email or Spam folders for an email originating from the sharepointonline.com domain.

Add sender to contacts

Add the verification sender address (which is from the sharepointonline.com domain) to the recipient's email contacts or Safe Senders list.

Resend the code

Return to the OneDrive secure access page and click 'Send code again' to prompt a new verification email.

Check Junk Folder and Add Sender to Contacts

Email Domain: SharePoint and OneDrive verification emails generally come from no-reply@sharepointonline.com.

Solution 2

Contact Your Microsoft 365 Tenant Administrator

If local troubleshooting fails, the issue may be related to the service backend or strict organizational mail flow rules.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless File Sharing and Collaboration

If you frequently encounter sharing limitations or access issues with Microsoft 365, consider WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative with built-in cloud storage and easy link sharing without complex verification hurdles.

1. Download and install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Save to WPS Cloud: Open your document and save it directly to the built-in WPS Cloud.
3. Share via link: Click the 'Share' button to generate a secure link with your preferred viewing or editing permissions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the OneDrive verification code email taking so long to arrive?

Sometimes there is a delay in Microsoft's email delivery system or network congestion. It is recommended to wait a few minutes, check your Junk or Spam folder, and ensure your mailbox isn't full before requesting a new code.

Can I bypass the OneDrive verification code for external users?

If the sender configured the link to require 'specific people' verification, a code is mandatory. However, the file owner can change the link settings to 'Anyone with the link' to bypass verification entirely, though this reduces file security.

What domain does Microsoft use to send OneDrive verification codes?

Verification codes for OneDrive and SharePoint are typically sent from the sharepointonline.com domain. Adding this domain to your email safe senders list can prevent automated delivery blocks.

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