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Power Automate - Building Flows
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Flow fails on empty optional fields

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Posted on 8 Nov 2019 15:54:31 by 1,710

Hello everyone!

 

I have created a flow for a mobile app to trigger the user’s location, the current time based on “checked in/checked out” values, and I have added 3 optional fields to type the client’s name, file content, and comments.
When they submit, a new item will be created in SharePoint list.
The flow fails when they keep the client name, file content, comments empty. It is not necessary to make these fields required because it is an option that on “checked in” the user might not add remarks and maybe he might add some information. However on “checked out” they most probably will.

Here are screenshots of the failing flow:

CLient-Remarks.PNG

File Content null.PNG

 

So how can I deal with this issue if the fields are empty ? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thank you!

  • abc 123 Profile Picture
    784 Super User 2025 Season 1 on 13 Sep 2023 at 14:46:01
    Re: Flow fails on empty optional fields

    Your blog does NOT address the fact that the Flow is absolutely IGNORING the fact that the parameter is set to optional. 

    Create an instant Cloud Flow. Add a parameter. Set that parameter to Optional.

    Create another instant Cloud Flow. Add a Run Child to the first Flow. Don't supply the parameter. 

     

    The Run Child call fails with an error like, "Server did not receive a response."

     

    WHY MICROSOFT, WHY?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • EBMRay Profile Picture
    1,710 on 13 Nov 2019 at 18:17:52
    Re: Flow fails on empty optional fields

    @yashag2255 

     

    Thank you for sharing this helpful blog!

  • yashag2255 Profile Picture
    24,442 Super User 2024 Season 1 on 11 Nov 2019 at 01:54:48
    Re: Flow fails on empty optional fields

    Hey @Julien2 

     

    You will not have to check the value for null if you have the '?' in the expression form as mentioned in my blog. Else, this might fail as the input property is readable only when the user provides an input or else that key is not present and it will make the flow to fail. Makes sense? 

     

    Hope this Helps!

     

    If this reply has answered your question or solved your issue, please mark this question as answered. Answered questions helps users in the future who may have the same issue or question quickly find a resolution via search. If you liked my response, please consider giving it a thumbs up. THANKS!

  • EBMRay Profile Picture
    1,710 on 10 Nov 2019 at 09:20:07
    Re: Flow fails on empty optional fields

    @yashag2255 

    Thanks it's good variety of information in this blog.
    I tried also checking for null values by using the null expression.

    Capture.PNG

  • Verified answer
    yashag2255 Profile Picture
    24,442 Super User 2024 Season 1 on 10 Nov 2019 at 08:37:17
    Re: Flow fails on empty optional fields

    Hey @Julien2 

     

    I have recently published a blog on how to overcome exactly issues like this over here. Please take a look and check if that resolves your issue. 

    https://www.bythedevs.com/post/how-to-pass-a-null-value-as-an-input-while-using-a-manual-trigger-in-ms-flow

    Hope this Helps!

     

    If this reply has answered your question or solved your issue, please mark this question as answered. Answered questions helps users in the future who may have the same issue or question quickly find a resolution via search. If you liked my response, please consider giving it a thumbs up. THANKS!

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