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How to Auto-Update a Power Apps Data Card with a Date Formula

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

A user needs a Power Apps data card to automatically display an 'Expired' status when a stored date has passed, replacing a manual choice field with a calculated formula.

How to Auto-Update a Power Apps Data Card with a Date Formula

Product: Power Apps
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Automating text or status updates on a Power Apps data card based on a conditional date comparison.
Observed behavior: The current data card relies on manual status updates via a choice field instead of dynamically recalculating the status based on the current date.

Before you start

Ensure your Power Apps data source connection is active and verify the exact internal field name of your stored date column before writing your formula.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Conditional If() and Today() Formula

Implement a conditional logic formula to compare your stored date against the current date, automatically outputting the correct status.

Power Apps utilizes Excel-like functions to evaluate conditions dynamically. By combining the If() function with the Today() function, you can automate status updates so that no manual choice selection is required once a deadline has passed.

Select the Target Data Card

Open your canvas app in edit mode, navigate to your form or gallery, and click on the specific data card or text label where you want the status to appear.

Unlock the Card Properties

Look at the Properties pane on the right side of your screen. Go to the 'Advanced' tab and click 'Unlock to change properties' so you can modify the default values.

Apply the Conditional Formula

Select the 'Default' property (for a form card) or 'Text' property (for a label) using the property dropdown at the top. Enter the formula: If(Today() > DateValue(ThisItem.ExpirationDate), "Expired", "Active").

Adjust the Field Name

Replace 'ExpirationDate' in the formula with the actual internal name of the date field from your connected SharePoint list, Dataverse, or SQL database.

Use a Conditional If() and Today() Formula

Formatting for Choice Columns: If your target field is a Choice column rather than plain text, you must output the exact choice record instead of a text string, such as: If(Today() > ThisItem.Date, Choices('YourList'.Status).Expired, Choices('YourList'.Status).Active).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my DateValue formula returning an error in Power Apps?

This commonly happens if the stored date field contains blank values or is not formatted as a recognizable date string. You can wrap your condition in an IsBlank() check to handle empty fields, for example: If(IsBlank(ThisItem.ExpirationDate), "No Date", ...).

Can I include specific times in my expiration date comparison?

Yes. If your date field includes both date and time data, use the Now() function instead of Today() in your conditional formula to ensure the calculation checks the exact current time against your expiration deadline.

How do I dynamically change the text color based on the expired status?

You can select the 'Color' property of your text label and apply a similar conditional formula to change the visual styling: If(Today() > DateValue(ThisItem.ExpirationDate), Color.Red, Color.Green).

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