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Quick Answer

Navigate to the SharePoint site or document library, click the three dots (...) in the command bar, and select Alert me to configure email notifications for changes.

How to Follow Sites and Set Up Alerts in SharePoint ​

Applies to: Microsoft 365 (SharePoint Online)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

Following a SharePoint site keeps it in your quick-access list, while setting up alerts notifies you by email when documents or lists change. This article explains how to follow sites, set up alerts on files and libraries, and manage your alert subscriptions.

Prerequisites ​

  • Access to a SharePoint Online site.

Instructions ​

1. Follow a SharePoint Site ​

Add a site to your favorites for quick access.

  1. Navigate to the SharePoint site you want to follow.
  2. Click the ☆ Follow button (or star icon) in the top-right corner of the site.
  3. The site now appears under Followed sites on your SharePoint start page.
  4. Access it anytime at https://yourcompany.sharepoint.com/_layouts/15/sharepoint.aspx under Following.

2. Set Up an Alert on a File ​

Get notified when a specific file is changed.

  1. Navigate to the document library containing the file.
  2. Select the file by clicking its checkbox.
  3. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) > Alert me (or click Alert me on the toolbar).
  4. Configure the alert:
    • Alert Title — descriptive name for this alert.
    • Send Alerts To — your email address (pre-filled).
    • Change Type — choose what triggers the alert:
      • All changes — any edit.
      • New items are added — new files only.
      • Existing items are modified.
      • Items are deleted.
    • When to Send Alerts — choose frequency:
      • Send notification immediately.
      • Send a daily summary.
      • Send a weekly summary.
  5. Click OK.

3. Set Up an Alert on a Document Library or List ​

Monitor all changes across an entire library.

  1. Navigate to the document library or list.
  2. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the library toolbar > Alert me > Set alert on this library.
  3. Configure the alert using the same options as above.
  4. Click OK.

4. Manage Your Alerts ​

View, edit, or delete existing alerts.

  1. On any SharePoint page, click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the library toolbar.
  2. Click Alert me > Manage my alerts.
  3. A list of all your active alerts appears.
  4. Click an alert name to edit its settings.
  5. Select an alert and click Delete Selected Alerts to remove it.

5. Unfollow a Site ​

Remove a site from your followed list.

  1. Navigate to the site.
  2. Click the ★ Following button to toggle it off.
  3. The site is removed from your Followed sites list.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

Use daily summary alerts for busy libraries to avoid inbox overload. Reserve immediate alerts for critical files that require fast attention.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Not receiving alert emailsAlerts going to Junk/Spam folderCheck your Junk folder. Add [email protected] to your safe senders list.
"Alert me" option not availableAlerts disabled by adminContact your SharePoint administrator to enable alerts on the site.
Too many alert emailsFrequency set to Immediate on a busy libraryEdit the alert and switch to daily or weekly summary.