Unable to Modify Empty Hosted Feature Layer Attributes to Allow Nulls

[luckachi]

Hello, I have a hosted feature layer that is currently empty as it is being developed for use with a GeoForm. I'd like to update a few of the fields to allow for null values but I am unable to do so. Is there any way to make these changes without having to delete the field every time a change needs to be made?

Using ArcGIS Pro does not work (Error 000664: Invalid input: This type of dataset is not supported. ) and updating through the REST service does not work even though it says it succeeded. 

[PeterKnoop]

I recently encountered this as well, and found this Esri Technical Support document that explained the situation.

Problem: Unable to modify the nullable property of a hosted feature service from the REST endpoint

[luckachi]

Peter - what would be the easiest method for republishing or overwriting a hosted feature layer - use the feature class to feature class tool? I'd prefer to not have to redo the domain values, etc as one field contains 60+ options.

[PeterKnoop · Accepted solution]

I ended up using the ArcGIS API for Python, and for each field for which I needed to enable Nulls:

• Add a new field with Null enabled, and the rest of the properties identical to the field it replaces (such as your Domains.)
• Calculate the new field from the old field (dealing with values that you might need to change to Null, if needed.)
• Delete the old field.
• Rename the new field to the old field's name.

Repeat as needed for all your layers and fields for which you want to enable Null values.

[luckachi]

Ah, okay. Thank you - I'd probably have to go a different route only because I have zero experience with python.

I am surprised that this can't be changed right from ArcGIS Pro / REST service considering the layer has no data. 🤔

[PeterKnoop]

You could perform the same steps manually in Online or Enterprise via the user interface. Or, via the REST API. I had a bunch of similar layers and fields to fix, so I automated the process using an ArcGIS Notebook.