Fix SharePoint List Attachments Reappearing After Power Apps Submission
Question details
Users need to resolve an issue where attachments removed inside a Power Apps form fail to delete permanently and reappear in the SharePoint list.
- Product
- SharePoint and Power Apps
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user deletes an attachment using a Power Apps form, but the attachment returns to the SharePoint list item after saving.
- Observed behavior
- Attachments removed in a Power Apps form intermittently reappear after the SharePoint item is saved due to form submission logic or connector synchronization issues.
Verify that you have Edit or Full Control permissions for the SharePoint list and the connected Power App, and save any unsaved form configurations before troubleshooting.
Verify Power Apps Form Submission Logic
Ensure the form correctly commits the deletion using standard SubmitForm methods rather than custom patch logic that overwrites attachments.
Often, attachments fail to delete because the app uses custom Patch functions or logic that fails to pass the removed attachment state back to SharePoint. Using the standard form submission functions ensures that additions and deletions are synced accurately.
Navigate to Power Apps, locate your application, click the three dots (More Commands), and select 'Edit'.
Click on the button or icon designated for saving your form data.
In the formula bar, verify that the OnSelect property uses the standard 'SubmitForm(YourFormName)' function instead of custom Patch statements for attachments.
Select the Form control, go to its 'OnSuccess' property, and add 'Refresh(YourSharePointList)' to ensure the app retrieves the latest attachment data immediately after saving.
Test with a Separate Small SharePoint List
Determine if the issue is specific to the current production list by testing the form on a new, clean list.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do deleted attachments keep coming back in Power Apps?
This usually happens if the form uses custom update logic (like Patch) that fails to commit the deleted state to SharePoint, or if there is a synchronization delay in the SharePoint connector.
Does the standard attachment control in Power Apps support deleting files?
Yes, the default attachment control allows users to add and remove files. However, it must be properly bound to the SharePoint list and submitted using the SubmitForm function to register deletions.
Can a large amount of data in a SharePoint list cause attachment errors?
Yes, large lists can experience API throttling, delegation issues, or connector timeouts in Power Apps, which might prevent attachment deletions from saving correctly.
How can I refresh the item data after saving a Power Apps form?
You can use the 'Refresh(DataSource)' function in the OnSuccess property of your form to force Power Apps to retrieve the latest data from SharePoint, ensuring attachment changes reflect immediately.
