SharePoint action failed – A SharePoint-related action failed during execution.

Power Automate integrates with SharePoint to automate tasks such as list item creation, updates, file management, and approvals. However, SharePoint actions may fail due to:

Authentication or permission issues
Invalid site URLs, lists, or libraries
Exceeded SharePoint API limits
Data mismatches or formatting errors

This guide covers:
🔹 Common causes of SharePoint action failures
🔹 Step-by-step solutions to fix them
🔹 Best practices to prevent future errors

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Step 1: Identifying the SharePoint Action Failure

1.1. Check the Flow Run History

1. Open Power Automate → Go to My Flows.
2. Select the flow that failed → Open Run History.
3. Find the failed SharePoint action and note the error message.

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Step 2: Fixing Common SharePoint Action Failures

2.1. Authentication or Permission Issues

Problem: Power Automate cannot authenticate with SharePoint.

Solution:

• Reconnect the SharePoint connector:
  1. Go to Data → Connections.
  2. Locate SharePoint → Click Reconnect.
• Ensure the user has the required SharePoint permissions:
  • Read – View list/library items.
  • Edit – Modify list/library items.
  • Full Control – Manage permissions and settings.

Tip: Use a service account instead of personal accounts to avoid authentication issues.

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2.2. Invalid Site URL, List, or Library Name

Problem: The flow refers to a non-existent or incorrect SharePoint site, list, or library.

Solution:

• Verify that the SharePoint site URL is correct.
• Check that the list or library exists in SharePoint.
• Ensure the list/library name is spelled exactly as it appears in SharePoint.

Fix:

1. Open SharePoint → Navigate to the target site.
2. Check if the list or library name matches what’s used in Power Automate.
3. Update the flow with the correct name and URL.

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2.3. Exceeded SharePoint API Limits

Problem: Too many requests to SharePoint, causing throttling or failure.

Solution:

• Reduce the number of API calls:
  • Use batch requests instead of individual item updates.
  • Avoid unnecessary loops when processing large lists.
• Add delays between actions to prevent hitting API limits.

Tip: Use the “Retry Policy” in Power Automate to handle temporary failures.

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2.4. Data Formatting Errors

Problem: Power Automate sends data in an incorrect format, causing SharePoint to reject it.

Solution:

• Ensure all fields match the expected data type in SharePoint.
• Convert dates to the correct format using the formatDateTime() function.
• Use string conversion functions when handling numbers and text.

🔹 Example: Converting a date value before sending to SharePoint

formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'yyyy-MM-ddTHH:mm:ssZ')

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2.5. Column Name Mismatch in List Updates

Problem: The SharePoint column name used in Power Automate does not match the actual internal name.

Solution:

• Check SharePoint’s internal column name:
  1. Open the SharePoint List Settings.
  2. Click on the column name and check the URL for the correct internal name.
• Update the Power Automate action with the correct column name.

Example: If a column is displayed as “Due Date”, its internal name may be “Due_x0020_Date”.

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2.6. List Threshold Exceeded (5000+ Items)

Problem: The list has over 5000 items, causing SharePoint to block queries.

Solution:

• Filter items before retrieving them:
  • Use OData filters like: plaintextCopyEditStatus eq 'Approved'
• Use indexed columns in SharePoint to improve query performance.

Tip: Instead of Get Items, use “Get Item by ID” to retrieve a single item efficiently.

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2.7. Lookup Column or Person Field Not Resolving

Problem: The flow tries to update a Lookup column or Person field incorrectly.

Solution:

• Use “Claims Format” for Person fields: plaintextCopyEditi:0#.f|membership|user@domain.com
• Use the Lookup Item ID instead of the item name.

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Step 3: Preventing Future SharePoint Action Failures

✅ 3.1. Test Flows in a Controlled Environment

• Before deployment, test your flow with sample data to catch errors early.

✅ 3.2. Monitor API Limits and Optimize Requests

• Avoid unnecessary loops and bulk operations to prevent throttling.

✅ 3.3. Validate Inputs Before Sending to SharePoint

• Use the “Condition” action to ensure required fields are filled before updating SharePoint.

✅ 3.4. Implement Error Handling with “Run After” Conditions

• Configure Power Automate to retry actions when temporary failures occur.

✅ 3.5. Use Power Automate’s Error Handling Features

• “Scope” actions can be used to catch errors and log them.
• “Configure Run After” settings can handle failed actions without stopping the entire flow.