Quick answer
When SharePoint shows an access denied message, it usually means you lack permission for that site or you're signed in with the wrong account. First check which account you're using, then use the access request page to ask the site owner for permission. If you're the owner, you can grant permission yourself through site settings.
How to recognize the problem
- Access denied or You don't have permission to access this site message
- The site opens but there's no content or edit buttons
- Access works on one computer but not another
- The sharing invitation has expired or wasn't accepted
- You can sign in, but SharePoint still asks for permission
Most common causes
Missing site permission
Your account isn't added to the site's user group or doesn't have the appropriate permission level (read, edit).
Wrong account
You're signed in with a personal or other work account instead of the account that has site access.
Invitation not accepted
The share was sent to a different address or the invitation wasn't accepted, so access remains blocked.
Site restricted to team members
The owner set it so only group members can access, and you're not a member.
Account disabled or license missing
An administrator blocked your account or you weren't assigned a SharePoint license, so access can't be established.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check which account you're signed in with
In the top right corner, click your picture or initials and check the email address. If it's not the account with access, select
Sign outand sign in with the correct account. Open the site in a private browser window to rule out cached sessions. - 2
Request access via the site page
When the access denied message appears, click
Request accessif available. Enter a message and send the request; the site owner gets a notification and can grant you permission. If the button isn't there, contact the site owner directly. - 3
Check if you're a group member
If the site was shared via a Microsoft 365 group, check if you're a member of that group. Open
Outlook > Groupsor ask an administrator to add you. Group membership usually gives automatic site access. - 4
Accept the sharing invitation
Look for the invitation email in your inbox and click the accept link. Also check the
Junk Emailfolder. If the invitation expired, ask the sender to send a new one. - 5
As owner, grant permission
Open the site, click the gear icon, and select
Site permissions. ThenAdd membersand enter a name or address. Choose a permission level (e.g.,ReadorEdit) and confirm. If you don't see the option, you don't have sufficient rights. - 6
Check library-level permissions
Open the library, click the gear icon, and select
Library settings. In the permissions section, open the permissions page for that library. Make sure your account or group has the appropriate access. - 7
Clear cache and cookies
In your browser, open settings or the page for clearing browsing data (on Windows the shortcut is
Ctrl+Shift+Delete) and delete cookies and cache. Then sign in again. Try another browser or private window to rule out local data issues. - 8
Contact your administrator
If nothing helps, send your administrator the exact site URL, the time the error occurs, and the message text. They can check assigned licenses and organization-level permissions.
If you still can't access
Once you've checked your account, requested access, and accepted the invitation, and the error persists, the problem is likely at the organization level. Your administrator should check if the site is locked or disabled, if external access is disabled, and if your account has a SharePoint license. Sometimes the cause is that the site was recently moved or deleted, so the old link no longer works. If you have access to other sites, mention that to your administrator to narrow the issue to a specific site. Don't try to bypass permissions by changing the URL or sharing someone else's account.
How to prevent it
- Use your work account to access business sites
- Regularly accept invitations and check your junk email
- Ask the site owner to add you to the appropriate group
- Sign in through the official Microsoft 365 portal
When to call a professional
If you're the site owner and can't grant permission, or if the error occurs for multiple users at once, contact IT support. They can check global permissions, licenses, and site status.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why does SharePoint show access denied when I'm signed in?
Signing in confirms your identity but doesn't automatically grant site access. The site owner needs to grant permission to your account or group.
How do I know who to contact for access?
The error page often shows the site owner's name. If not, contact IT support or your Microsoft 365 administrator.
Can I get access myself if I'm not a team member?
No, unless someone sends you a sharing invitation from outside. For internal sites, the owner or administrator grants permission.