If you’re just starting with RPA for web tasks, it’s normal to bump into errors related to web elements. This guide walks you through typical issues beginners face and practical, beginner-friendly steps to resolve them. You’ll learn how to identify missing elements, validate XPath, and handle slow-loading or fast-loading pages. The aim is to help you build confidence with hands-on techniques rather than relying solely on guesswork.
Understanding the two main error types
When automating interactions with web pages, you’ll encounter two frequent error categories. First, “element not found” errors during actions like clicking a page element or retrieving its information. Second, “element not found” errors when checking the presence or correctness of an element’s attributes. These errors usually point to problems with how the element is located or how the page has loaded. Let’s break down how to address them in a structured, beginner-friendly way.
Cause and solution: wrong XPath or locator
A common root cause for element not found or element verification failures is an incorrect XPath or locator. XPath is a powerful way to pinpoint elements, but it can be tricky if the page structure changes. Begin by using the element editor in your automation tool to gradually confirm the correct location.
Step-by-step method to confirm XPath:
Use the element hierarchy on the left panel. Gradually select parent elements until you reach the target. When the element is correctly identified, you should see a red border around the element that matches your expectation.
If validation fails, recapture the element. Click “Recapture” and, if possible, use
Ctrl + left-clickto select the target element directly. Note that this approach can be fragile because some pages refresh or reorder their structure frequently, which can make the captured XPath less robust.
If you still struggle, consider learning XPath more deeply, through our intermediate tutorials. The idea is to understand how paths locate elements, so you can craft robust selectors yourself rather than depending on a single capture. Look for introductory XPath topics or tutorials that explain axes, predicates, and how to test paths in browser developer tools (F12).
Cause and solution: element not yet loaded
Elements may fail to be found simply because they have not loaded yet. On slow networks or pages with heavy scripts, the DOM might still be building when your automation tries to access it.
What to do:
Add extra wait time. Use the waiting commands to pause the workflow until the element is present. Practical options include waiting for a specific element to appear, waiting for the page to finish loading, or waiting for the content area to be fully loaded.
If your tool offers multiple waiting strategies, start with a general “Wait” or “Wait for Page Load,” then fine-tune with a targeted “Wait for Element” condition for the specific element you need.
Cause and solution: page loads too quickly and dynamic elements vanish
Sometimes pages load so fast that transient or overlay elements appear for a split second (like a modal or popup) and then disappear before your automation can act. In such cases, you need to simulate a more realistic or slower network environment to ensure these ephemeral elements can be captured.
Practical approach:
Temporarily slow down the network in the browser’s developer tools.
Open the page, press F12 to launch Developer Tools, switch to the Network tab, and in the On/Online dropdown, choose a slower network speed such as “Slow 3G.” This provides a stable window to detect and interact with dynamic elements that appear briefly.
Best practices to reduce future errors
Favor resilient selectors: Start with stable attributes (like unique IDs or data-test attributes) rather than brittle XPaths that depend on the page’s exact structure. When possible, combine multiple attributes to form a robust locator.
Avoid hard-coding timing: Rely on waits rather than fixed delays. Dynamic waits that respond to the page state are more reliable across different networks and devices.
Regularly revalidate on pages you automate: Pages can update, which may invalidate existing selectors. Periodic checks help you catch and fix broken automation quickly.
Document the rationale: Keep a simple note about why a locator was chosen and what loading condition it expects. This helps future you or teammates adjust if the page changes.
Conclusion
Errors around element location can feel intimidating at first, but they’re typically predictable and solvable with structured checks. By validating XPath carefully, ensuring elements are loaded before interaction, and controlling for dynamic behavior with network throttling or targeted waits, you’ll reduce common hiccups. Remember to favor robust selectors, leverage waits, and gradually expand your XPath knowledge. With time, your web automation will become more resilient, and you’ll complete tasks with greater confidence.