Is there a REST API to modify/update readonly properties such as 'Created by' and 'Modified Date' in SharePoint online

Question

We are trying to figure out a way to update the system read-only properties such as 'Created by' and 'Modified Date' in SharePoint. We are using REST API to work with data in SP and hence if there is a REST API to achieve this, it would be great.

We are aware of a workaround to create custom attributes and copy and hide the original columns, but we are looking to understand if there is a REST API way to accomplish this.

Answer 1

Hi @AbdulSaifBadu-7422,

Rest API ValidateUpdateListItem endpoint can be used to update system field (Created/Created By, Modified/Modified By), please see the sample request in PostMan:

Request Url and Header:

Request Body:

{  
   "formValues":[  
      {  
         "FieldName":"Author",  
         "FieldValue":"[{'Key':'i:0#.f|membership|user@Tenant.onmicrosoft.com'}]"  
      },  
      {  
         "FieldName":"Created",  
         "FieldValue":"17/1/2021"  
      },  
      {  
         "FieldName":"Editor",  
         "FieldValue":"[{'Key':'i:0#.f|membership|user@Tenant.onmicrosoft.com'}]"  
      },  
      {  
         "FieldName":"Modified",  
         "FieldValue":"17/1/2021"  
      }  
  
   ]  
}  

This is the update result with the request above:

Here is a blog with the same solution, I suggest you can refer:

How to update created by and modified by field in sharepoint List using REST API

Update: per the deep test, the Rest option above is not working for modern site library, so it's more suggested to use PowerShell(CSOM/PnP PowerShell) to update SharePoint system field, this option is working for both classic/modern library:

SharePoint Online: Update Created By / Modified By, Created / Modified Field Values using PowerShell

Thanks
Best Regards

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Answer 2

Unfortunately this method does not work for the author field in document library