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How to run a Power Automate flow on one selected SharePoint item

Create a flow with the SharePoint trigger "For a selected item" and save it. Then select one list row and choose Integrate, then Power Automate, then your flow. Some lists still show an Automate button instead.

How do you create the flow?

Open the list. Choose Integrate, then Power Automate, then Create a flow. You can also choose Show more and pick the custom action for the selected item to build a flow from scratch.

In the flow, check that the first step is the SharePoint trigger "For a selected item". Add your actions after it, such as send an email, set a status or start an approval. Save the flow.

How do you run it from the list?

  1. Select one row in the list.
  2. Open Integrate, then Power Automate, in the command bar. Some lists show Automate instead. On a narrow screen it sits under the three dots.
  3. Choose your flow name.
  4. Confirm the connection if the panel asks, then select Run flow.

Can it run on several selected items at once?

No. The trigger passes one item to each run. If you select several rows, run the flow once per row.

For a bulk change, use a different method. Our guide "Update one column for many SharePoint list rows at once" covers one way.

Why does the flow not appear in the Power Automate menu?

  1. The list opens in the classic SharePoint experience. Power Automate does not show in the classic command bar.
  2. The flow is not in the default environment. Microsoft's SharePoint connector docs say the list menu shows only flows in the default environment.
  3. The trigger points to a different site or list.
  4. The flow is turned off, or it is not shared with the person who selected the row.

Who can run the flow?

The person who runs it needs access to the site and a SharePoint connection of their own. The flow owner can share it so others can run it. See "Power Automate run-only users missing: where it is and what to check" if the share option is not available.

If the flow uses a premium connector, each person who runs it needs a license that covers it. See "Power Automate HTTP action says premium: do you need to pay?".

What is a good first use?

A one-click status change is a simple start: select a row, run the flow, and it sets Status to Approved and emails the requester. For a full approval, see "Power Automate: write Approved or Rejected back to your SharePoint list". If your team needs this across several lists, see "What a SharePoint tracker costs to build".

FAQ

Can a run-only user start the flow from the list?

Yes, if the owner shares it as run-only and the user has a SharePoint connection.

Does the flow show in the classic SharePoint view?

No. Power Automate is not available in the classic experience.

Sources