💡 Challenge

Ever had a flow trigger when it shouldn’t, or fail to trigger when it should? Setting up multiple start conditions directly in the trigger can be tricky. Without a clear approach, flows may run too often, waste resources, or not run at all because the conditions are misconfigured.

✅ Solution

Insert a Filter Array action before the actual trigger. Define all of your conditions in the Filter Array interface, switch to Advanced Mode to reveal the underlying expression, copy it, and paste it into the flow’s Trigger Condition field. This leverages Power Automate’s logic engine to generate the correct JSON expression for you.

🔧 How It’s Done

  1. Preparation
    🔸 Identify the exact scenarios under which your flow should start. Think of it like making a checklist before going on a trip—everything must check out before departure.
    🔸 List the logic points (e.g., field value comparisons, status checks) that need to be true.

  2. Add Filter Array
    🔸 After your trigger (for example, “When an item is created”), insert the Filter array action.
    🔸 Build all desired conditions using the visual interface. You’ll immediately see which items pass and which are filtered out.

  3. Switch to Advanced Mode
    🔸 In the Filter array step, click “Edit in advanced mode.”
    🔸 Power Automate will display the JSON expression behind your conditions. Copy this expression—everything your trigger needs is already there.

  4. Apply to Trigger
    🔸 Open the settings of your original flow trigger and locate the Trigger Condition field.
    🔸 Paste the copied JSON expression into that field and save your flow. Done!

🎉 Result

Your flow now only fires when every defined Filter Array condition is met. No more unwanted triggers, no wasted runs—your automation runs lean and efficient.

🌟 Key Advantages

🔸 Precision: Your flow triggers only when the exact requirements are satisfied—no false starts.
🔸 Efficiency: Pre-filtering reduces unnecessary flow executions, saving time and resources.
🔸 Flexibility: Complex combinations of conditions can be implemented without writing code.

🎥 Video Tutorial

🛠️ FAQ

1. What is a trigger condition in Power Automate?
Trigger conditions are expressions evaluated before a flow runs. The flow only executes if they return true—everything else is ignored, preventing unwanted executions.

2. Why use Filter Array before writing the trigger condition directly?
With Filter Array, you build rules in a clear, visual interface. In Advanced Mode, Power Automate automatically generates the correct JSON expression. You simply copy and paste it into the trigger—no manual expression writing or guesswork.

3. How can I test if my trigger condition works correctly?
➤ Run the flow with only the Filter Array step to see which items pass through.
➤ Copy the expression string and paste it into Trigger Condition.
➤ Test the flow with sample data: it should only proceed when all conditions are satisfied.

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