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Fix Power Automate Read-Only SharePoint Parameter Error

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user's Power Automate flow fails with a read-only parameter error when trying to copy data between SharePoint lists.

Product: Microsoft Power Automate and SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Copying data between SharePoint lists using a flow, specifically involving Assigned To fields or columns configured to allow multiple values.
Observed behavior: The flow execution fails and reports a read-only parameter error on the SharePoint fields, even though content approval is disabled.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, carefully review your flow's run history to identify the exact step and column causing the read-only error.

Solution 1Recommended

Consult the Microsoft Power Automate Community

Since this is a complex issue involving SharePoint multi-value fields and action mappings, posting in the official community is the most effective way to get expert troubleshooting.

Power Automate often requires specific array formats or permissions when handling SharePoint Person or Group fields and Assigned To columns. The official community has specialists who can review your exact flow configuration.

Gather your flow details

Take screenshots of your flow setup, specifically the steps where you map the 'Assigned To' and multi-value columns between the SharePoint lists.

Visit the Power Automate Community

Navigate to the official Microsoft Power Automate Community website in your browser.

Create a new post

Post your issue, including the error message and your flow screenshots. Mention that your content approval is already disabled. Experts will help you format the JSON arrays needed for multi-value fields.

Solution 2

Verify SharePoint Column Configurations

Ensure that the source and destination SharePoint lists have matching column configurations for multi-value and Person fields.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get a read-only error for SharePoint multi-value fields in Power Automate?

Power Automate often requires data for multi-value or Person/Group fields to be passed in a specific array format. Passing a simple string or an improperly formatted JSON object will cause SharePoint to reject the input with a read-only parameter error.

Can I update a SharePoint Assigned To column directly with text?

No. Typically, you need to provide the Claims identifier or Email address in a specific JSON structure rather than just the display name string for the Assigned To column.

Does disabling content approval prevent all read-only errors in SharePoint lists?

Not necessarily. While content approval settings can lock items and cause read-only states, structural mismatches (like trying to push multiple values into a column set to single-value) will still trigger read-only or invalid parameter errors.

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