There are missing dependencies. Install the following solutions before installing this one: “Active” | Connection References missing in Power Platform Solution

While importing and Unmanaged Solution into another environment, you must’ve come across these error messages like “There are missing dependencies. Install the following solutions before installing this one: “Active”“

Now, there are various factors as to why this error is seen. I’ll try to cover one of them. Missing Connection References! Let’s take a look.

So, out of other reasons, one could by that there are some Flow’s Connection References that are not yet added to the Solution when it was exported out.

Error on Import

Let’s say you trying to import this Unmanaged Solution in an environment.

This is your Source Solution which you want to Export and Unmanaged and Import into other environment.
You see the following error on Import.
Now, there are many other reasons why you are getting this error. But, in this case, it’s about missing Connection References from the Source Solution

Adding Connection Reference

In my case, it was missing adding the Connection References in the Source Solution, so here’s what I did –

Go to the Add existing in your source Solution
Look for Connection Reference (preview)
When I add that, I can select what all Connection References are available to add.
Here, you’ll have to select all those Connection References which you have utilized in your Solution Components.
To understand more on Connection References, here’s a post by Alex Shlega’s posts on Connection Reference – https://www.itaintboring.com/powerapps/connection-references/
When you click that, it’s added behind the scenes. Now, export the Unmanaged Solution again.

Re-Importing into Source Instance

Now, In your Source Instance, re-import this newest Unmanaged Solution.

Now, importing the 1.0.0.2 version, you’ll see no issues.
And when you click next, you’ll be asked to Create a Connection right away
In this example, I’m supposed to create a CDS (Current Environment) connection. Because that’s what I had selected as a Connection Reference while exporting from the Source Instance.

Skipping a few intermediate steps. My connection is created as below.
Going back to the Import tab where I was importing the Solution, I’ll just refresh as directed.
Any my Connection is available.
I can just continue to Import as usual and it’ll be imported.