#PowerPlatformTip 53 – ‘Launch function’

💡 Challenge

In PowerApps, guiding users to external websites, emails, phone calls, collaborations, or personalized dashboards can require custom connectors or manual prompts.

✅ Solution

Leverage the Launch function to open URLs, start emails or calls, integrate with other apps, and direct users to customized content.

🔧 How It’s Done

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open essential external resources using Launch
   🔸 Example: Launch(“https://www.example.com”)
   🔸 Example: Launch(“mailto:info@example.com”)
   🔸 Example: Launch(“tel:+1234567890”)
2. Seamlessly integrate with other applications
   🔸 Example: Launch(“msteams://teams.microsoft.com/l/channel/…”)
   🔸 Example: Launch(“onenote:https://example-my.sharepoint.com/personal/…”)
   🔸 Example: Launch(“https://example.sharepoint.com/sites/…”)
3. Personalize user experience based on user roles
   🔸 Example:
   If(User().Email = “manager@example.com”,
   Launch(“https://www.example.com/manager-dashboard”),
   Launch(“https://www.example.com/employee-dashboard”))

🎉 Result

Users can instantly access relevant external resources, collaborate seamlessly, and receive a personalized in-app experience without additional configuration.

🌟 Key Advantages

🔸 Immediate access to websites, email and phone calls
🔸 Seamless integration with Teams, OneNote, and SharePoint
🔸 Personalized navigation based on user roles

🛠️ FAQ

Q: Does the Launch function work on both web and mobile versions of PowerApps? Yes, Launch works on both platforms, but behavior may vary. On mobile, it can open native apps directly (like the phone app for tel: links), while on web it typically opens in the browser or prompts to open the associated application.

Q: Can I use Launch to open other PowerApps or Power BI reports? Yes, you can launch other PowerApps using their web URLs or use deep links for Power BI reports. For PowerApps, use the format: Launch(“https://apps.powerapps.com/play/[app-id]?tenantId=[tenant-id]”).

Q: Are there any security considerations when using Launch with external URLs? Yes, always validate URLs before using Launch, especially if they come from user input. Consider using a whitelist of approved domains and avoid launching URLs that could redirect to malicious sites. Some organizations may have policies restricting external URL access.

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