---
sourceDocument: Australia Mobile Configuration and Navigation
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/mobile

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Mobile Configuration and Navigation

ft:clusterId :

    - mobile

bundleId :

    - mobile

workflow :

    - Development, Data and Analytics


---

# Configure an empty state

# Configure an empty state {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Australia
* 
* Updated March 12, 2026
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read

Configure an empty state to inform users that a page currently does not contain data.
Add an image, text, and buttons to customize the empty state and improve the user
experience.

## Before you begin

Whether creating a default or specific empty state, the following items might be
required if you plan to display an image or button:

* An image from the Attachments \[sys_attachment\] table.
* Defined button actions from the Function \[sys_sg_button\] table. For more information, see [Configure a smart button](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/bE6kEl5x4~nGaHqPIDrEww "Smart buttons are actions that allow you to perform another action, such as sending an email, making a phone call, pulling up a location, or navigating directly to a URL.").

{#empty-state-default__ul_w13_pt3_14b}

Role required: admin

## About this task

This task explains how to configure a default empty state used in all screens. For information about how to customize empty states for specific screens, see the following topics:

* [Configure an empty state for a list screen](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/govRcnxD1aYZ1buDPENDoQ "Configure an empty state to display on empty list screens, to provide information to further direct users. These features are configured in the web-based UI instead of in the Mobile App Builder.").
* [Configure an empty state for an embedded list in a record screen](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/vXk15sJvMjGZtxX~Rds24w "Configure an empty state to display on empty record screens to provide information to further direct users. The display of an empty state for an embedded list in a record screen takes priority over an empty state defined for a list screen.").
* [Configure an empty state for search results](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/VuqzaiSbsYIZKBkSytlyrw "Configure a customized empty state for search results to provide users with information and actions to help improve their search criteria. This information will replace the default empty state that is provided for search results.").
{#empty-state-default__ul_wgl_thz_44b}

## Procedure

1. Navigate to AllSystem MobileMobile App Builder.  
   The Mobile App Builder opens in a new browser tab and displays the application scope selection screen.
2. Search for the application scope you are working in and then select the name of the application scope.  
   The Mobile App Builder categories home screen displays.
3. Create an empty state record, then use the bridge to Mobile Card Builder (MCB) to configure the card that is referenced by the empty state record:
   1. Select All mobile records in the menu.
   2. From the Record type drop-down menu, select Empty state \[sys_sg_empty_state\], and then select New.
   3. In the Empty State form, fill in the fields.  
      {#empty-state-default__table_t2b_nm5_znb__entry__2}

      | Field | Value |
      |-|-|
      | Name | Title for the record. |
      | Description | Optional description of the record. |
      | Active | Option for enabling the display of the card setup within the empty state. Select the toggle to make the empty state record active. |
      | Card | Select Choose to select an existing card that is referenced by the empty state record or select New to create a card. You are taken to MCB to configure the card. |
      [Table 1. Empty State form]

      {#empty-state-default__table_t2b_nm5_znb}

   {#empty-state-default__substeps_btr_jm5_znb}  
   Note:  
   Empty states can also be selected or created in the record editing screen in Mobile App Builder (MAB) for the following record types:
   * List screen
   * Map screen
   * Custom map screen
   * Search config
   * Mobile app config
   {#empty-state-default__ul_u12_p5c_q2c}
4. In MCB, select the card you want to be referenced by the empty state record. {#empty-state-default__SelectElement}
{#empty-state-default__SelectElement}
5. Select Use this card.  
   You are automatically returned to MAB.
6. In MAB, select Save to save the empty state record.

## Result

An empty state displays in any screen that does not contain data.

*[\>]: and then