Overwriting a feature layer from ArcGIS Pro does not update the symbology in the web map

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, when overwriting a web feature layer with new symbology, the updated symbology is not reflected in the ArcGIS Online web map.

Cause

This is expected behavior when overwriting a feature layer of a web map that already has symbology applied and saved. The properties of a web map, such as the data layers, layer styles, and pop-up styles, are stored in a JSON file. When a feature layer in the web map is updated and overwritten in ArcGIS Pro, the map properties in the JSON file are not updated.

Solution or Workaround

Use one of the options below to work around this limitation.

Replace the hosted feature layer in the web map

In the ArcGIS Online web map, remove the existing feature layer and re-add the overwritten feature layer with the updated symbology.

Note:
Removing and re-adding a feature layer in a web map breaks data sources in applications referencing the web map, such as ArcGIS Dashboards.

1. In ArcGIS Online, on the Content tab, navigate to the web map, click the ellipsis icon and click Open in Map Viewer.
2. In the web map Layers pane, click Options on the feature layer, and click Remove to remove it. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Manage and organize layers for more information.
3. In ArcGIS Pro, update the symbology of the feature layer as desired.
4. Overwrite the existing feature layer, and add the layer to the web map. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Overwrite a web feature layer for more information.
5. In the ArcGIS Online web map, add the overwritten feature layer to the map, and save the web map. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Browse layers for more information.

Edit the web map JSON

Warning:   
Use of ArcGIS Online Assistant is not supported by Esri Support Services, and is for advanced users only. Mistakes made when editing the JSON code of an application can irrevocably break the application. Exercise caution when using this tool and test workflows before using it in production. It is advisable to create a backup copy of the JSON code before editing.

Remove the layer style information in the web map JSON using ArcGIS Online Assistant.

1. Log in to ArcGIS Online Assistant using ArcGIS Online credentials.
2. On the top bar, click the I want to drop-down arrow, and click View an Item's JSON.

3. In the Search bar, type the name of the web map, and press Enter.
4. Select the web map from the Search Results pane to open the JSON file.
5. Scroll down to the Data section and click Edit JSON .
6. Delete the JSON drawingInfo object, and click the save button .

7. In ArcGIS Online, refresh the web map. The symbology of the overwritten feature layer is reflected on the map.