---
title: "How does Whatfix Mobile identify an element by reference?"
slug: "how-does-whatfix-mobile-identify-an-element-by-reference"
updated: 2026-08-06T15:40:54Z
published: 2026-08-06T15:40:54Z
canonical: "support.whatfix.com/how-does-whatfix-mobile-identify-an-element-by-reference"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.whatfix.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How does Whatfix Mobile identify an element by reference?

Sometimes when you're [identifying an element](/mobile/docs/identify-unique-elements-on-your-screen) on a screen, Whatfix Mobile is unable to find unique identifiers associated with it. In such cases, the element can be identified using a reference. This means that Whatfix Mobile locates the element based on its position in reference to some other element. For example, suppose you want to show a Beacon on a certain option in the menu bar where multiple similar options exist. In that case, Whatfix Mobile identifies the desired option based on its position relative to the menu bar as a whole.

If the selected element is identified via reference, then an orange box appears around it. ![mobile_orange identifier.png](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/mobile_orange%20identifier.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T15%3A37%3A08Z&se=2026-10-29T16%3A37%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=rvEXGKZslPPUU7a670XnJQMcgrHZ9q2rPrBB3zhLp9g%3D)

### Prioritize the first element when multiple similar elements exist

Consider that you're creating content on a page where elements share non-unique IDs, such as on pages that have a lot of elements in a scrollable box, grid, or list. These elements have common identifiers on each row, which can make selecting a specific element challenging due to a lack of distinct identification.

If you want to always target the first element among those sharing a common identifier, enable the **Remove Reference** toggle to always prioritize the first element. For example, you can enable this toggle if you have a list of users and you want to always show a tooltip only on the first username.

![mobile_priortize first element.png](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/mobile_priortize%20first%20element.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T15%3A37%3A08Z&se=2026-10-29T16%3A37%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=rvEXGKZslPPUU7a670XnJQMcgrHZ9q2rPrBB3zhLp9g%3D)

### Change the reference of the element

You may want to change the point of reference for the selected element to something that is more stable or unique.

Use the following steps to change the reference of the element:

1. In the **Target Element** section, click the **Settings** icon. ![mobile_change reference_gear icon.png](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/mobile_change%20reference_gear%20icon.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T15%3A37%3A08Z&se=2026-10-29T16%3A37%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=rvEXGKZslPPUU7a670XnJQMcgrHZ9q2rPrBB3zhLp9g%3D)
2. Choose the required **Reference Element**. ![mobile_check reference element.png](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/mobile_check%20reference%20element.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T15%3A37%3A08Z&se=2026-10-29T16%3A37%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=rvEXGKZslPPUU7a670XnJQMcgrHZ9q2rPrBB3zhLp9g%3D)
3. Click **Change reference**. ![mobile_check reference element.png](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/mobile_check%20reference%20element%281%29.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-29T15%3A37%3A08Z&se=2026-10-29T16%3A37%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=rvEXGKZslPPUU7a670XnJQMcgrHZ9q2rPrBB3zhLp9g%3D)