Permissions error with SharePoint – SharePoint-related actions fail due to user permissions.

The “Permissions Error with SharePoint” occurs when Power Automate tries to access SharePoint but fails due to insufficient user permissions.

Error Message:
"Permissions error with SharePoint – SharePoint-related actions fail due to user permissions."

This issue commonly happens because:

• The user lacks the necessary permissions on the SharePoint site, list, or library.
• The connection to SharePoint in Power Automate is invalid or expired.
• DLP (Data Loss Prevention) policies restrict SharePoint access.
• The user is not part of the correct SharePoint group.

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2. Common Causes and Fixes

Cause	Description	Fix
Insufficient user permissions	User lacks access to the SharePoint site, list, or document library.	Request proper permissions from the site admin.
Invalid or expired SharePoint connection	Power Automate is using an outdated or revoked SharePoint connection.	Reconnect or refresh the SharePoint connection.
DLP policies blocking SharePoint access	Organization policies prevent SharePoint actions in Power Automate.	Modify DLP policies in the Power Platform Admin Center.
Incorrect list or library settings	The target SharePoint list or library has restricted access settings.	Update list permissions in SharePoint settings.
User is not in the correct SharePoint group	The user does not belong to the necessary SharePoint group.	Add the user to the correct SharePoint group.

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3. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Step 1: Verify User Permissions in SharePoint

If a user lacks edit, contribute, or full control permissions, Power Automate actions will fail.

Steps to fix:

1. Go to the SharePoint site.
2. Click on Site settings > Site permissions.
3. Select the list, library, or site causing the issue.
4. Click Permissions > Check permissions.
5. Ensure the user has at least Edit or Contribute access.
6. If access is missing, click Grant permissions and add the user.

Example Fix:

• If a Power Automate flow fails while updating a SharePoint list, grant the user Contribute permission.

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Step 2: Reconnect or Refresh the SharePoint Connection in Power Automate

An expired or invalid connection prevents authentication with SharePoint.

Steps to fix:

1. Open Power Automate.
2. Click on Data > Connections.
3. Locate the SharePoint connection.
4. Click …” (More options) > Refresh connection.
5. If the issue persists, delete and create a new SharePoint connection.

Example Fix:

• If a SharePoint action fails due to an expired token, reconnect to SharePoint Online.

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Step 3: Modify DLP (Data Loss Prevention) Policies

DLP policies in Power Automate may block SharePoint actions.

Steps for Admins:

1. Open Power Platform Admin Center.
2. Navigate to Data Policies.
3. Find the policy restricting SharePoint access.
4. If SharePoint is blocked, move it to an allowed category.
5. Save changes and test the flow again.

Example Fix:

• If SharePoint is classified as a restricted service, update the DLP policy.

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Step 4: Verify SharePoint List or Library Settings

Some lists and libraries restrict edits or require special permissions.

Steps to fix:

1. Open the SharePoint site.
2. Navigate to the list or document library.
3. Click Library settings > Versioning settings.
4. Ensure Require Check-Out is disabled.
5. Check Permissions for this document library and grant the required permissions.

Example Fix:

• If a flow fails when updating a SharePoint file, ensure Require Check-Out is disabled.

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Step 5: Add the User to the Correct SharePoint Group

Power Automate actions may fail if a user isn’t in the required SharePoint group.

Steps to fix:

1. Open SharePoint site settings.
2. Go to People and Groups.
3. Select the group managing list/library permissions.
4. Click Add members and enter the user’s name.
5. Save changes and retry the flow.

Example Fix:

• If a user can’t edit SharePoint list items, add them to the “Members” group.