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How to Save a Power Apps Dropdown Selection to a SharePoint Lookup Field

Natalie Taylor Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to successfully save a selected value from a Power Apps dropdown menu into a connected SharePoint lookup column when submitting a form.

How to Save a Power Apps Dropdown Selection to a SharePoint Lookup Field

Product: Power Apps and SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Submitting a Power Apps form that integrates with a SharePoint list utilizing a lookup column.
Observed behavior: The dropdown successfully filters and displays choices from the industry list, but the selected industry value is not saved to the SharePoint lookup column upon form submission.

Before you start

Ensure you have edit permissions for both the Power Apps canvas app and the connected SharePoint list, and verify that your SharePoint lookup column is referencing the correct master list.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure the Data Card Update Property

Set the Update property of the lookup field's data card to pass the complete record structure required by SharePoint, rather than just the text value.

SharePoint lookup columns require a specific record structure containing the item's ID and Value to save correctly. If your dropdown is only passing a plain text string, SharePoint will reject the update and leave the field blank.

Select the data card

Open your form in Power Apps Studio and select the specific data card associated with your SharePoint lookup column.

Unlock the data card properties

Navigate to the 'Advanced' tab in the right-hand properties pane and click 'Unlock to change properties' so you can modify the default behaviors.

Modify the Update property

Locate the 'Update' property of the data card. Change its value to pass the full record format. For example: { '@odata.type': "#Microsoft.Azure.Connectors.SharePoint.SPListExpandedReference", Id: Dropdown1.Selected.Id, Value: Dropdown1.Selected.Value } (replace 'Dropdown1' with your actual control name).

Verify Items and Default properties

Ensure the dropdown control inside the card has its 'Items' property set to the correct SharePoint master list (e.g., Choices(ListName.ColumnName)) and the 'Default' property accurately reflects the parent record.

Test the form submission

Save and publish your Power App. Play the app, select a value from the dropdown, submit the form, and check your SharePoint list to confirm the lookup value was saved.

Record Structure Matters: Always confirm that the dropdown control uses the correct record structure (ID and Value) that matches the exact field referenced in the SharePoint master list.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Power Apps dropdown show the right choices but won't save?

This typically happens when the data card's Update property is configured to send only a text string. SharePoint lookup columns expect a complete record object containing the selected item's ID and Value.

How do I verify my SharePoint lookup column references the right list?

Navigate to your SharePoint list settings, click on the specific lookup column, and ensure the 'Get information from' dropdown is set to the correct master list (e.g., Industry Master) and the appropriate field is selected.

Can I use a combo box instead of a dropdown for SharePoint lookups?

Yes. Power Apps often defaults to a combo box for SharePoint lookup fields because they support searching and multiple selections. Ensure the Items property is tied to your master list and the data card's Update property passes the combo box's Selected record.

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