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How to Fix Microsoft Lists Invalid JSON Error When Opening a List

Steve K Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users receive an unexpected token or invalid JSON error when attempting to open or interact with a specific list in Microsoft Lists.

How to Fix Microsoft Lists Invalid JSON Error When Opening a List

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing a specific list or viewing list items, particularly those containing Location columns or custom formatting.
Observed behavior: An error message stating 'invalid JSON' or 'unexpected token' appears, preventing the user from properly loading or viewing the list data.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary List Owner or Designer permissions to modify column settings and edit views in your SharePoint or Microsoft Lists environment.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Column Formatting and Test in Classic SharePoint

Identify and remove custom JSON formatting that contains syntax errors, and use the classic SharePoint view to regain access to your list data.

This error is most commonly caused by malformed JSON code applied to a specific column, especially Location columns. By switching to classic SharePoint, you bypass the modern view's JSON rendering, allowing you to isolate and fix the problem.

Return to Classic SharePoint

Open the affected Microsoft List. If the modern view fails to load, click on 'Return to classic SharePoint' in the bottom-left corner of the screen to load the list without modern formatting.

Isolate the problematic column

Add a new item to the list while in classic mode and compare the behavior. Identify if the error is tied to a specific column, such as a Location column, by checking if the issue occurs in other lists with similar columns.

Remove or correct JSON formatting

In the list settings, navigate to the suspected column. Click on 'Column settings' and select 'Format this column'. Switch to Advanced mode, and either correct the JSON syntax (checking for missing commas or brackets) or delete the JSON entirely and click Save.

Check Column Formatting and Test in Classic SharePoint

Formatting Restored: Clearing the invalid JSON will restore the default column rendering and allow the list to open normally in the modern experience.

Solution 2

Escalate to a Microsoft 365 Administrator

If removing column formatting does not resolve the issue, a backend server problem or user data corruption may be the cause.

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Manage Data Without Complex Code Using WPS Office

If you are tired of dealing with complex JSON formatting errors just to manage lists, try WPS Spreadsheet. It offers a lightweight, familiar, and visually intuitive way to track data, format tables, and collaborate without writing a single line of code.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free and launch the WPS Spreadsheet application.
2. Create or Import Your List: Open a new blank workbook or directly open an exported .csv or .xlsx file from your previous lists.
3. Format Visually: Use the built-in conditional formatting and table styles in the Home tab to manage your data appearance without touching JSON code.

Free, lightweight, and fast spreadsheet processingHighly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsBuilt-in visual formatting and data validation toolsNo complex JSON coding required for basic data management

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes an invalid JSON or unexpected token error in Microsoft Lists?

This error typically occurs when custom JSON code applied to format a column (such as a Location column) contains syntax errors, like missing commas, unclosed brackets, or incorrect attribute names.

Will switching to classic SharePoint permanently change my list view?

No. Clicking 'Return to classic SharePoint' only temporarily changes your current session view. It allows you to bypass modern JSON rendering to access your data and troubleshoot the formatting. Closing and reopening the browser will restore the modern view.

Can corrupted user data cause JSON errors in SharePoint lists?

Yes. Occasionally, backend issues related to corrupted user ID data or mismatched location data formats can trigger unexpected token errors when the server attempts to parse the list data.

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