Help! RefinableString Managed Properties not showing up on PnP modern search

Question

Hi,

Hoping someone could shed some light on this scenario. I've created some site columns, many of which point to the values in the term store. These columns have been mapped to a number of pre-existing RefinableString managed properties on the communication site collection > search schema.

The site columns were added to a content type, then the content type into a list and in addition I've created some entries on that list, approximately a dozen or so. I have manually indexed the list via List Settings and also run a full site index through Search and Offline settings to no effect.

Only 1 of my RefinableString managed properties shows up when I attempt to configure the properties in the search results modern PnP web part which is unusual as I have compared this to the other standard RefinableString properties and there are no differences.

Has anyone run into this issue? Are there any tests I could run in addition to what I have already described? I have carried out the same scenario on another tenancy and the managed properties show up after a short period of time.

Thanks!

Edd

Answer 1

Dear Edd,

Good day! Thanks for posting in Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

According to your description, I would like to know how long have you set the refinable managed properties. Has it been more than 24 hours?

If so, please share the following information for us to better test.

1. Please share the screenshots of these columns (including the entries) and column settings.
2. Please share the detailed steps about how you create a Refinable Managed Property.

We look forward to your response. Thanks for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

George | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

So the detailed setup steps were as follows (Communications Site Collection) and just to confirm, I did not create any refinablestring property, I just utilized what is already there, see below. There are two mappings, I'm unclear which one I should use, or both.

I'm not sure if I should exclusively use 'ows_taxId_' only as many columns are connecting to managed metadata - termstore.

1. Create site columns - add them to a custom site column group
2. Create site content type (parent content type 'Item'))
3. Add columns to the site content type
4. Add content type to a list
5. Add some list items utilizing that content type
6. Map all required site columns to the standard out of the box 'RefinableString001; RefinableString002' and so on.. managed properties via site collection search schema.
7. Add more list items to the list.
8. Wait 24 / 48 hours
9. After approx 3 days, manually re-index the list itself in Advanced Settings and also full index in the Site Collection 'Search and Offline' settings. The values are still not displaying in the modern search searchable property dropdown.

Although I cannot post the full images directly here for sensitivity reasons, I could attach one privately if that helps..

Thanks,

Edd

Answer 3

Dear Edd,

Thanks for posting and providing detailed steps.

I have tested it on my side, and the RefinableString Managed property displays when I configure the PnP search result web part. As you mentioned, the situation only happens on a specific tenant, and you have already reindexed the site and list, I would like to suggest you contact your admin/IT department and let them create a support ticket via Microsoft 365 Admin Center> Support> New service request. That support team there will have the correct channel and resources to help you investigate more and find what exactly the reason has caused this situation in the backend.

Appreciate your understanding and patience.

Sincerely,

George | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 4

Thank you, I will follow your advice and see if they can bottom out the root cause.

Many thanks,

Edd

Answer 5

Any luck?

I'm having the same issue... only RefinableString 120 and 121 are showing up

I always found SharePoint Online Managed Properties to be flaky