# How to Fix INVALID_NAVIGATE_ACTION_NEXT_SCREEN_NAME: Loop Detected in Screen Navigation
Author: Prashant Jangid
Author URL: https://www.heltar.com/blogs/author/prashant-jangid
Published: 2025-05-07
Category: Troubleshoot
Category URL: https://www.heltar.com/blogs/category/troubleshoot
Tags: WhatsApp Flows Error
Tag URLs: WhatsApp Flows Error (https://www.heltar.com/blogs/tag/whatsapp-flows-error)
URL: https://www.heltar.com/blogs/how-to-fix-invalidnavigateactionnextscreenname-loop-detected-in-screen-navigation-cmadz9tu20003m6x3bfmep6mv

If you're using a low-code or no-code platform to build apps and you see this error:

**INVALID\_NAVIGATE\_ACTION\_NEXT\_SCREEN\_NAME**

**Same screen navigation is not allowed. Loop detected at \[ScreenNames\].**

It means you're trying to navigate from a screen back to itself, which most platforms block to prevent infinite loops or unintended behavior.

Let’s break down what causes this issue and how you can fix it.

## What This Error Means

This error occurs when a screen has a navigation action that points right back to itself. In other words, the **source and destination screen names are the same**.

Most platforms prevent this to avoid unintentional infinite navigation loops, performance issues, or screen flickering.

## Example of the Problem

Here’s a simplified version of what triggers this error:

```
{
  "id": "FIRST_SCREEN",
  ...
  "on-click-action": {
    "name": "navigate",
    "next": {
      "type": "screen",
      "name": "FIRST_SCREEN"
    },
    "payload": {}
  }
}
```

In this case, clicking a button or element on FIRST\_SCREEN will attempt to navigate back to FIRST\_SCREEN, causing a loop.

## Why Same-Screen Navigation Is Blocked

Navigating to the same screen might sound harmless, but it can lead to issues like:

- Infinite navigation loops
- UI freezing or flickering
- Redundant data loading or state resets

To prevent such problems, most platforms treat it as an invalid configuration.

## How to Fix It

There are two main ways to resolve this:

### 1\. Navigate to a Different Screen

If the goal was to refresh or update the screen, consider redirecting to a different screen or modal designed for that purpose.

```
"next": {
  "type": "screen",
  "name": "SECOND_SCREEN"
}
```

### 2\. Use a Local Action Instead of Navigation

If you’re trying to reset a form, update UI elements, or clear state within the same screen, use a local action (like setting variables or updating fields) instead of navigating.

## When You Might _Think_ You Need Same-Screen Navigation

Here are a few cases where this mistake commonly happens:

- You want to reload the same screen after submitting a form

- You're trying to simulate a screen refresh

- You reused a component and forgot to update the screen name


In all these cases, the better approach is usually to use local updates or navigate to a dedicated "confirmation" or "thank you" screen instead.

For more troubleshooting tips related to WhatsApp Business API, check out [heltar.com/blogs](http://heltar.com/blogs).


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