single-select ComboBox that will not allow typing to narrow the search

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Posted on by KONeill102399

I’m new to the Power Apps forum and could use some help.

I have a single-select ComboBox that will not allow typing to narrow the search. The dropdown opens, but I cannot enter text in the search box.

What I have confirmed:

DisplayMode = DisplayMode.Edit
IsSearchable = true
SelectMultiple = false
SearchFields = ["Model"]

Issue occurs even before using containers
Happens with both custom filter logic and a simple Items source

Example Items logic:

With(
{ s: Lower(Trim(Self.SearchText)) },
Sort(
Filter(
colMaterials,
Len(s) < 2 ||
StartsWith(Lower(Text(Model)), s)
),
Model,
SortOrder.Ascending
)
)

Is there a known issue or setting that would prevent typing in a ComboBox search field, or is this related to the modern vs classic ComboBox behavior?

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Building Power Apps

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WarrenBelz 155,838 Most Valuable Professional on at

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Hi @KONeill102399,

I would normally note that this happens when a non-Delegable filter is used as the Items of the Combo Box - in your case in Lower(Text(Model)) , neither Lower nor Text is Delegable, but that that StartsWith is not case-sensitive, however I note you are using a Collection, so Delegation is not an issue.

This is a strange one (I duplicated it here) - although I have seen it before when using With is pre-define date calculations. This however works
Sort( Filter( colMaterials, Len(Lower(Trim(Self.SearchText))) < 2 || StartsWith( Lower(Text(Model)), Lower(Trim(Self.SearchText)) ) ), Model, SortOrder.Ascending )

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MParikh 521 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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This happens when your Items formula blocks the ComboBox from handling its own search input. In your case, the With variable built from Self.SearchText is the trigger. The dropdown opens, but the search box does not accept typing because the control never settles into “search mode” with that pattern.
Fix: remove the With block and reference Self.SearchText directly inside Filter and StartsWith.
Use this Items formula: Sort( Filter( colMaterials, Len(Lower(Trim(Self.SearchText))) < 2 || StartsWith( Lower(Text(Model)), Lower(Trim(Self.SearchText)) ) ), Model, SortOrder.Ascending )

A couple of quick checks if it still feels locked:

Confirm the ComboBox is not inheriting DisplayMode from a parent control (Parent.DisplayMode, form mode, container state).

Make sure no transparent control sits on top of the ComboBox (label, rectangle, gallery template). That steals keyboard focus.

Keep IsSearchable true and SearchFields = ["Model"]. Your Items formula above already filters, so SearchFields is less critical, but it should not hurt.

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mmbr1606 14,629 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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Hey

are you using a modern combo box? They dont work like classic. Try to use a classic one and see if it works.

If my answer was helpful and solved your issue, please mark it as the verified answer.

If it helped but didn’t fully solve it, I’d appreciate a like. 😊

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WarrenBelz 155,838 Most Valuable Professional on at

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Hi @KONeill102399,

A quick follow-up to see if you received the answer you were looking for. Happy to assist further if not.

Please ✅ Does this answer your question if my post helped you solve your issue. This will help others find it more readily. It also closes the item. If the content was useful in other ways, please consider answering Yes to Was this reply helpful? or give it a Like ♥
Visit my blog Practical Power Apps LinkedIn

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