Power Automate allows users to manually trigger flows using the “Manually trigger a flow” action. However, you may encounter the following error:
“Manual trigger failed – The flow could not be triggered manually by a user.”
This means that a user attempted to start the flow manually, but it failed to execute. This issue can arise due to misconfigurations, permissions issues, or service-related problems.
2. Causes of “Manual Trigger Failed”
Several factors can cause a manual trigger failure in Power Automate:
- User Lacks Permissions – The user does not have permission to run the flow.
- Power Automate Plan Restrictions – Free or basic plans have limitations on manual trigger usage.
- Flow Disabled or Not Saved – The flow may be disabled or not saved properly.
- Incorrect Input Parameters – If required parameters are missing or incorrectly formatted, the flow will not trigger.
- Authentication Issues – The user may be signed into the wrong Microsoft account.
- Service Outages – Microsoft Power Automate or connected services may be experiencing downtime.
- Power Automate App Issues – If triggering from the Power Automate mobile app, outdated or buggy versions can cause failures.
- Trigger Condition Not Met – If the flow has trigger conditions, the input data may not meet them.
- Browser Issues – Cache, cookies, or browser-specific problems can prevent the manual trigger from executing.
- Environment Mismatch – If the flow and user accounts are in different environments, the trigger will not work.
3. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Step 1: Check Flow Run History for Errors
- Open Power Automate (https://flow.microsoft.com).
- Go to My Flows and select the affected flow.
- Click Run History to check recent runs.
- Locate the failed manual trigger attempt and review the error message.
Solution:
- If an error message appears, use the details to identify the issue.
Step 2: Ensure the Flow Is Enabled and Saved
Flows that are disabled or not properly saved will not trigger.
Solution:
- Open the flow in Power Automate.
- Click Edit and check for any unsaved changes.
- Click Save to apply changes.
- Ensure the flow is turned on (it should not be in a disabled state).
Step 3: Verify User Permissions
If the user triggering the flow does not have permission, they will see an error.
Solution:
- Go to Power Automate > My Flows.
- Click the flow and go to Share.
- Ensure the user has Run permissions.
- If needed, add the user by entering their email address.
Tip: If the flow was created in a different environment, ensure the user has access to that environment.
Step 4: Check Power Automate Plan Limitations
Power Automate Free and Basic plans have limits on manual trigger executions.
Solution:
- Go to Power Automate > Settings > Billing to check your plan details.
- If you hit the execution limit, consider upgrading your plan.
Step 5: Verify Input Parameters for Manual Trigger
If the manual trigger requires input parameters, missing or incorrect values can cause failures.
Solution:
- Open the flow and check the “Manually trigger a flow” action.
- Review required input fields (text, number, file, etc.).
- Ensure that users provide the correct data format.
Example of Correct Input Parameters:
| Parameter Name | Type | Example Input |
|---|---|---|
| User ID | Text | 12345 |
| Status | Choice | Active |
Step 6: Ensure Authentication Is Correct
If a user is signed into the wrong Microsoft account, they may not be able to trigger the flow.
Solution:
- Sign out of Power Automate and sign back in using the correct Microsoft 365 account.
- If using the Power Automate mobile app, ensure the correct account is selected under Settings > Account.
Step 7: Check for Microsoft Service Outages
Microsoft services may experience temporary outages that affect flow execution.
Solution:
- Check the Microsoft 365 Service Status: https://status.office365.com
- If Power Automate is down, wait for Microsoft to resolve the issue.
Step 8: Check for Trigger Conditions
If the flow has trigger conditions, it may not execute if the input data does not match.
Solution:
- Open Power Automate > My Flows.
- Edit the flow and expand the Manually trigger a flow action.
- If Trigger Conditions exist, verify that the input data meets the conditions.
Example of a Correct Trigger Condition:
@equals(triggerBody()?['Status'], 'Active')
Fix:
- If the condition prevents valid inputs, modify or remove it.
Step 9: Clear Browser Cache or Try Another Browser
If the manual trigger fails when using a web browser, it could be a caching issue.
Solution:
- Clear browser cache and cookies in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Open Power Automate in Incognito Mode or Private Browsing.
- Try using a different browser to see if the issue persists.
Step 10: Test the Flow Manually
- Open Power Automate > My Flows.
- Select the affected flow and click Test > Manually Trigger.
- Provide the required input data and click Run Flow.
- If it succeeds, the issue may be related to permissions or user access.
Solution:
- If the test works, ensure that all intended users have Run permissions.
4. Preventative Measures
To prevent “Manual Trigger Failed” errors in the future:
✔ Ensure users have correct permissions.
✔ Verify that the flow is enabled and saved.
✔ Use the correct Microsoft account for authentication.
✔ Check input parameters before running the flow.
✔ Monitor Microsoft service status for outages.
✔ Test flows manually before deploying to users.
✔ Upgrade Power Automate plan if execution limits are reached.
✔ Clear browser cache and use an alternate browser when needed.