How to Fix Component Override Lost in Figma Quickly

Component overrides in Figma get lost when the main component is updated or replaced without preserving instance changes. To fix this, reapply overrides after syncing components or use Detach Instance before editing to keep your changes safe.

Why This Happens

In Figma, when you update a main component or swap it with another, any overrides made on its instances can disappear. This happens because the instance resets to match the new main component's properties, losing custom changes like text edits, colors, or visibility toggles.

Also, if you use nested components and update the parent, overrides on child components might reset unexpectedly.

html

<!-- Example of instance override lost -->
<!-- Main component text: 'Button' -->
<!-- Instance override text changed to: 'Submit' -->
<!-- After main component update, text resets to 'Button' -->

Output

Instance text override 'Submit' lost and reset to 'Button' after main component update.

The Fix

To fix lost overrides, first try to sync your components carefully. If you update the main component, check instances and reapply overrides if needed.

If you want to keep your changes safe, use Detach Instance before editing. This breaks the link to the main component but preserves your overrides permanently.

Also, avoid swapping components directly if you want to keep overrides; instead, update the main component itself.

html

<!-- Correct workflow -->
<!-- 1. Update main component -->
<!-- 2. Check instances for lost overrides -->
<!-- 3. Reapply overrides if needed -->

<!-- Or -->
<!-- 1. Select instance -->
<!-- 2. Use 'Detach Instance' -->
<!-- 3. Edit freely without losing overrides -->

Output

Overrides remain intact after detaching instance or careful syncing.

Prevention

To avoid losing overrides in the future, follow these best practices:

• Make updates in the main component instead of swapping instances.
• Use Detach Instance when you need permanent custom changes.
• Keep nested components minimal to reduce override conflicts.
• Regularly check instances after component updates.
• Use version control or component libraries to manage changes safely.

Related Errors

Other similar issues include:

• Overrides not applying: Happens if the property is locked or not overridable.
• Component swap resets overrides: Avoid swapping components if you want to keep overrides.
• Nested component override conflicts: Resolve by simplifying component structure.

Key Takeaways

Overrides get lost when the main component updates or swaps without preserving changes.

Use 'Detach Instance' to keep overrides safe before editing.

Update main components carefully and reapply overrides if needed.

Keep nested components simple to reduce override conflicts.

Regularly review instances after component changes to catch lost overrides early.