Owners can no longer add users or view site permissions/access requests

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Introduction

A common issue in SharePoint Online is that the owners group can no longer add users or view site permissions/access requests. This issue commonly occurs if permissions have been accidentally wiped out and then re-created. Owners will typically be able to delete users from groups and see Group Settings but cannot use the New button to add users.

Instructions for troubleshooting

1. Access the /_layouts/15/permsetup.aspx of the site collection, make sure the default Owners Group is set correctly. (There is a group selected)
2. Add user to that Owners Group. (Issue may be resolved at this step if the site collection Owners Group was never changed, if not continue to next step.)
3. Implement workaround below by adding that owners group as Full control on Access Request list Permissions.

   The root cause is that the group has lost access to the Access Requests list. When site owners lose access to the Access Requests list they receive an access denied message when attempting to access the Site permissions page and/or the Access requests and invitations page. A site collection administrator or a user who retains Full Control access to the list will need to follow the below steps to restore access.

   https://jennyssharepointtips.wordpress.com/2017/11/08/restore-lost-permissions-to-access-requests-and-invitations-and-or-site-permissions/

   You need to use the Internet Explorer browser for this so you can access the Developer Tools.

Related Links

Microsoft Support has published the following article(s) on this topic:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/support/Sharing-and-Permissions/request-approval-failed