Skip to main content

File in synced folder does not update in content

File does not update inside content when it is from a sync folder synced via credential and linked to the widget.

How it works?​

During synchronization, if a file is modified in the external storage, and the sync folder has active sync enabled, the following happens:

  • The file after the change has been synced is deleted and re-uploaded, not overwritten.
  • This process generates a new file with a new file ID. That means the old file ID is no longer exists on the server.
  • The widget where the file individually selected relies on a specific file ID. When the ID changes, the widget can no longer locate the file.
  • Furthermore, the device caches the previously downloaded file.

Since the widget can’t find the new file (due to the missing file ID), the cache is not replaced or invalidated, resulting in no update being shown on the widget.

How to avoid this occurrence?​

In case of Multiple files​

If your widget needs to display multiple files (e.g., a rotating set of PDFs or images):

  • Bind the widget to a folder, not to individual files.
  • This will allow the widget to access any file inside the folder that is accessible, even if its file ID changed.

In case of a Single file​

If the widget is meant to show a single specific file:

  • Use a File System Datasource to bind the file directly.
  • This method tracks the file path rather than a file ID, which prevents errors after updates.

Learn more: File System Datasource

Best practices​

  • If you want the inner content of external files to be Synced regularly, keep the File change tracking mode in Active Sync.

  • If a file does not change inside content during display, try to download the affected file from the folder to see if the sync happened.

    • Please note, synchronization may take several minutes after the last change in the external file.

  • Avoid linking individual files from Synced folders directly in widgets unless you're using the file system datasource.

  • Re-uploading or modifying files in Synced folders can change their IDs. Use folder-level linking to reduce disruption.

  • Regularly clear cache on test devices to verify widget refresh behavior.

Support

If the upper mentioned method is not working, please write a brief description of the issue to our support for further help at support@wallboard.info.

Last updated on