How to Find Detached Instances in Figma
ComponentQA scans your entire Figma file and identifies every detached instance in seconds. Get a clear report showing exactly where detached components are located so you can fix them or convert them back to instances.
The Problem
Detached instances break your design system and create inconsistency
- Designers detach instances to make quick edits, then forget about them
- Detached components do not update when the main component changes
- Manual auditing is impossible in large files with thousands of instances
- Broken components ship to production, creating tech debt
Step-by-Step Solution
How to Find Detached Instances in Figma
1
Open ComponentQA
Launch the plugin from Plugins > ComponentQA. Choose your audit scope: current selection, current page, or entire file.
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Pro tip: For large files, start with a single page to see results faster.
2
Run the audit
Click "Run Audit" and ComponentQA scans for detached instances, dirty overrides, missing tokens, and other issues. Results appear in a categorized list.
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Pro tip: The audit typically completes in under 30 seconds, even for files with 100+ pages.
3
Review and fix
Click any issue to navigate directly to the problem layer. Decide whether to reconnect the instance, update the main component, or intentionally keep it detached.
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Pro tip: Use the "Select All" feature to select all detached instances at once for bulk operations.
Why Use ComponentQA?
Find every detached instance in seconds, not hours
Navigate directly to problem layers with one click
Audit entire files or specific pages
Track design system health over time
Export audit reports for stakeholders
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Find Detached Instances in Figma
What counts as a detached instance?
A detached instance is a component that was disconnected from its main component using "Detach Instance." It no longer receives updates when the main component changes.
Can ComponentQA fix detached instances automatically?
ComponentQA locates and highlights detached instances so you can make informed decisions. Automatic fixes would risk overwriting intentional customizations, so we leave the final action to you.
How is this different from Figma native search?
Figma native search cannot filter by "detached status." ComponentQA specifically identifies instances that were detached from their main components and provides context about why they might have been detached.
Does it work with external libraries?
Yes. ComponentQA can detect instances from external libraries that have been detached, even if you do not have edit access to the original library.
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Ready to Find Detached Instances in Figma?
Automated design system audits and detached instance detection. Install ComponentQA for free and start in seconds.