Fix a shared list, password or missing-gift problem

Start with the original list link and the exact message you see. A GiftList account is not normally required to open a shared list or mark a gift purchased. Password access, unavailable lists and closed gifting have different fixes.

The list will not open

Watch this step, from 1:04

1. Ask the owner to copy a fresh link from Share. Open the full link, not a cropped screenshot or an incomplete pasted URL.
2. Try opening it in your device's normal browser if a messaging app's browser or an old GiftList app gets stuck.
3. If the page asks for a list password, obtain it from the owner. Your account password is different. Signing up is not a substitute.
4. If the list was deleted or the link is no longer recognized, ask the owner for the current list. Do not assume it can be restored by registering again.

If a QR code opens the wrong destination, ask for a new code generated from the intended list; a profile or individual gift code can point somewhere else.

Watch the walkthrough

Prefer to watch? The written steps cover the full task.

Play video: Who Can See My Wishlist? How to Make It Private or Password-Protect It

I can open the list but cannot buy or mark a gift

Check whether it is already fully claimed or whether quantity remains. If the list shows a message that it isn't accepting gifts, see the next section. A gift without a retailer link may be an offline idea; read its instructions or ask the owner.

If you own the list, your owner view deliberately hides other people's purchase status until reveal. Use your own management controls rather than expecting the shopper's exact controls.

"This list isn't accepting gifts right now"

This message means the list owner has turned off People can reserve items. A similar message, "This list stopped accepting gifts on [date]", means the owner's Stop accepting gifts on date has passed. You can still browse the list, but the buy and reserve buttons are hidden. Ask the owner to reopen it; nobody else can change it.

If it's your list: your list shows a Guests can't reserve gifts banner under its description. Choose Turn on reserving (or Reopen for gifts when a stop date has passed) to reopen it in one tap, or Settings to review it. You can also open the list's Settings (in the app, List settings in the list menu), find Gifting, switch on People can reserve items, clear or move the Stop accepting gifts on date, and choose Save. While reserving is off, buyers also can't see your delivery details. The banner needs a current version of GiftList; the Settings route works everywhere.

A gift disappeared or a claim looks wrong

Clear any gift search/filter and check you opened the correct list. The owner may have edited or removed an item while you were shopping. If an item is no longer listed, check with the owner before buying a substitute.

After a dropped connection, refresh the list and check for a confirmation email before submitting another claim. If you need to remove your own recorded purchase, follow undo a reservation. A mark can exist even when you did not receive its confirmation screen.

Get help with useful details

Contact support with the list link, gift name, exact error, approximate time, device/browser or app version, and whether you were signed in. A screenshot can help; cover shipping addresses and personal recovery links before sharing it. Do not include account passwords or payment details.

Related: Buying from a shared list, privacy and passwords, finding your own lists.