How to Fix File Not Found Error When Opening SharePoint Site Settings
Question details
Users encounter a 'File Not Found' error when trying to open the Site Settings page in SharePoint Online due to an incorrect URL redirect.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to access the Site Settings page to manage a SharePoint Online site.
- Observed behavior
- The browser unexpectedly redirects to an obsolete mobile URL (_layouts/15/mobile/mblwpa.aspx), resulting in a 'File Not Found' error.
Ensure you have the necessary administrative or Site Owner permissions before attempting to access or modify SharePoint site settings.
Access the Site Settings Page Using a Direct URL
Bypass the faulty mobile redirection by manually entering the correct settings URL for your SharePoint site.
Often, the default link on the site interface becomes corrupted or points to a legacy mobile view page that no longer exists. Manually appending the correct system path forces SharePoint to load the proper desktop settings page.
Open your SharePoint site and look at the address bar in your browser. Copy the URL up to the site name (e.g., https://yourdomain.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite/).
Add '_layouts/15/settings.aspx' to the end of your base URL. The final URL should look like: https://yourdomain.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite/_layouts/15/settings.aspx.
Press Enter to load the direct URL. You should now see the standard Site Settings menu.
Verify Permissions and Clear Browser Cache
Ensure the error isn't caused by cached redirection loops or insufficient account permissions.
Review Site Customizations and Scripts
Identify if custom branding or scripts applied to the site are causing the mobile view redirect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SharePoint redirect to a mobile page like mblwpa.aspx?
This usually happens due to legacy mobile browser redirection features being active, outdated site templates, or customized scripts that incorrectly detect your desktop browser as a mobile device and force a redirect to an obsolete path.
Can I access Site Settings without admin permissions?
No, you generally need to have Site Owner or SharePoint Administrator permissions to view and modify SharePoint Site Settings. Standard members or visitors will either not see the option or will receive an 'Access Denied' error.
What should I do if the direct URL method doesn't work?
If appending '_layouts/15/settings.aspx' still results in a 'File Not Found' error or an unexpected redirect, the issue might be rooted at the tenant level or caused by severe master page corruption. You should contact your organization's IT department or Microsoft Support for further assistance.
