OnStart isn’t available

[DaveConnors]

I am trying to retrieve a parameter using OnStart to achieve deep linking.

I’ve created a blank canvas app.

When I navigate to “App” and check the dropdown OnStart isn’t an option. Is there some setting or permission I need to make this available, otherwise I can’t create the app properly.

Why wouldn’t it appear - I’ve seen numerous tutorials and videos with it but in my app it simply isn’t there. The ellipsis next to the App menu item shows the run OnStart option - nothing happens which seems right since i haven’t been able to set anything - but there is no way I can actually get into OnStart to set anything.

[asifkhawaja]

Yes it doesn't appear immediately but if you close your app completely after enabling it, you should be able to see it.

[Maroun]

thank you, now im  a bit confused, is the OnStart getting to be depreciated for good? or only the screen navigate function wont be executed  from there, only on start screen?

and if it will be depreciated, how we will set the global variables then, start screen doesn't take any variables?

the change isnt clear for me can someone elaborate  

[asifkhawaja]

According to the source, the StartScreen needs the screen name to start from as opposed to OnStart action, which may contain one or more actions to run. And yes for now only the Navigate function is being deprecated in the OnStart action, not the OnStart action itself. So you can still use the Set function to create global variables in the OnStart action, but its going to change in the future as per the source. 

Here is the source with all the information you would need:

App.StartScreen: a new declarative alternative to Navigate in App.OnStart | Microsoft Power Apps

[dhalpin]

Hi all, I am also experiencing the missing OnStart.  I have tried the following with no luck:

 - Tried clicking the URL (above) to an older version of the designer, but it doesn't work anymore

 - Tried opening PowerApps in Edge and Chrome (no difference)
 - Turned on the "Use non-blocking OnStart rule".  Closed & re-opened Powerapps.

 - Turned on the "Enable Navigate function in App.OnStart".  Closed & re-opened Powerapps.

None of these solved my issue:  my App does not have an OnStart property.

I am trying to apply a ClearCollect() to OnStart, since it doesn't appear to work with OnVisible.  If anyone has a workaround I would really appreciate it.

Thanks! 

Declan

[asifkhawaja]

@dhalpin I just tried in a new app and was able to enable the OnStart action. I followed the following steps but not sure which one worked.

1. Enabled App.OnStart property from Settings>General tab. (If already enabled, disable and then re-enable.)

2. Enabled "Use non-blocking OnStart rule" property from Settings>Upcoming features>Preview. (If already enabled, disable and then re-enable.)

3. Enabled Navigate function in App.OnStart property from Settings>Upcoming features>Retired. (If enabled, disable and re-enable).

4. Finally, (and I suspect this might have done it), I enabled Enhanced formula bar property from Settings>Upcoming features>Retired. (and then disabled it after refreshing the page).

And after this, I was able to see the OnStart action and also when I now create any new canvas apps, the OnStart action is automatically there.

[dhalpin]

Thank you @asifkhawaja - that worked!  I'm not sure which one, but the combination of changes (and a save/close/reopen) did it.

cheers!

[asifkhawaja]

Glad that helped! But yeah, Microsoft is not making it easy. Looks like they may be on the path to get rid of the OnStart action soon.