Last Updated on October 25, 2024
Not sure how to access SharePoint?
In this short guide, I will show you how you can easily access SharePoint Online through the URL or app launcher.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents:
The easiest way to access your SharePoint is through its URL.
Your SharePoint URL is the web address that leads to your organization’s SharePoint site.
Typically, it looks something like this:
https://[yourorganization].sharepoint.com
Make sure to remember the web address so you can directly access your SharePoint through your browser.
If you’re using a specific team or communication site, the URL will include the site name at the end, like this:
https://[yourorganization].sharepoint.com/sites/[sitename]
This allows you to access specific SharePoint resources faster.
In case you don’t know your SharePoint URL, you will have to go through the second method first, the app launcher.
👉 Related: The Definitive Guide to SharePoint URL: Format, Limit, +More
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What is the app launcher in Microsoft 365?
The app launcher in Microsoft 365 is a menu that allows you to quickly access various Microsoft apps and services.
It’s represented by a grid icon found on the upper-left corner of your Microsoft 365 interface:
If you don’t know your SharePoint URL, you must visit Microsoft 365 first. 🙂
Click on the app launcher icon.
If you found SharePoint right away, click on it, otherwise, you can search for it through the search field in the app launcher.
That will bring you to your organization’s SharePoint home site.
Make sure to bookmark it or remember it (your browser also remembers it).
Most likely though, your tenant’s name is your organization’s name, so you might not need to make an effort that much. 😅
👉 Related: Microsoft 365 App Launcher (The Introductory Guide)
With the app launcher, you can access SharePoint from anywhere in Microsoft 365.
However, certain apps like Microsoft Teams will allow you to access the whole SharePoint site on a tab. 🙂
Other examples are:
- Mobile app (it goes directly to your organization’s SharePoint Online)
- File Explorer synced to a document library
- Share links to files and documents
A little explanation here — direct links to SharePoint sites or files sent via email or chat also work.
Each of these methods provides convenient access to SharePoint depending on your workflow.
If you’re having trouble accessing SharePoint, there are a few common issues to check:
- Incorrect URL (double check your URL)
- Permissions issues (you might not have the necessary permissions)
- Expired session (try logging in/out or clearing your browser’s cache)
- App visibility (check your subscription)
If the issue persists, reaching out to your IT department or checking Microsoft’s online support might resolve the problem.
Do you have any questions about accessing SharePoint Online? Let me know in the comments below.
For any business-related queries or concerns, contact me through the contact form. I always reply. 🙂
