How to Add External Guest Users to a SharePoint Site
This guide walks you through how to add external users (guests) to a SharePoint site using the Site Permissions method.
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Navigate to the SharePoint Site
- Open your browser
- Go to the SharePoint site where access is needed
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Open Site Permissions
- Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top-right corner
- Select Site permissions
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Add Members Using “Share Site Only”
- Click Add members
- Choose: Share site only
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Enter External User Email
- Type the external user’s email address
- Example: externaluser@gmail.com
If the user does not already exist, they will be created as a guest user in the tenant.
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Assign Permission Level
- Choose the appropriate access level (Read-Only, Edit, Full Control)
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Add an Optional Message for the Invitation Email
- Enter a brief message to provide context to the external user
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Send Invitation
If "Share Site Only" is NOT available try using "Advanced permission settings"
Select "Grant Permissions"
Enter the email address of the users you want to add to the site
