How to Understand and Use a SharePoint Correlation ID
Question details
The user needs to understand the purpose of a SharePoint correlation ID and how to use it to resolve an error.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Encountering an error in SharePoint Online that displays a correlation ID instead of a descriptive error message.
- Observed behavior
- The system displays a correlation ID string upon a failed request, which identifies the event in Microsoft's logs but does not directly explain the root cause of the error.
Before reaching out to support, make sure to copy the exact correlation ID text, take a full screenshot of the error message, and note the exact time the error occurred.
Report the Correlation ID to Your Microsoft 365 Administrator
Because general users cannot access the Unified Logging System (ULS) logs in SharePoint Online, you must provide the correlation ID to an administrator who can investigate or open a support ticket.
A correlation ID is not an error code itself. Instead, it is a unique identifier assigned to a specific request. Microsoft uses it to trace failed requests across its complex server architecture in the Unified Logging System (ULS).
In SharePoint Online, end-users do not have the administrative permissions required to access these ULS logs and look up the exact error details.
Take a screenshot of the complete error message, ensuring the correlation ID is clearly visible. Also, copy the correlation ID as plain text so it can be easily shared.
Write down the exact date and time the error occurred, as administrators use timestamps along with the correlation ID to pinpoint the issue in the logs.
Send the screenshot, the text version of the correlation ID, and the timestamp to your organization's IT department or Microsoft 365 administrator.
If you are an administrator, log into the Microsoft 365 admin center, navigate to Support > New service request, and provide the correlation ID and screenshot to Microsoft support for further investigation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up a correlation ID myself in SharePoint Online?
No, SharePoint Online restricts access to the Unified Logging System (ULS) logs for general users. Only Microsoft support and tenant administrators with the proper diagnostic tools can trace the correlation ID to find the underlying error.
Is a correlation ID the same as an error code?
No. A correlation ID is a unique tracking sequence assigned to a specific web request. It helps system administrators locate the exact log entry for that specific event, whereas an error code categorizes a specific type of failure.
How long are SharePoint correlation logs kept?
Microsoft typically retains ULS diagnostic logs in SharePoint Online for a limited period, usually around 14 days. It is critical to report the correlation ID to your IT administrator as soon as the error occurs before the logs are overwritten.
