How to Get Started with ServiceNow in Zapier

Connecting ServiceNow to Zapier lets you build powerful automated workflows without writing code. This guide walks you step by step through setting up the integration, adding your ServiceNow account, and using the available triggers and actions so you can automate incident, problem, and change management tasks.

Before You Connect ServiceNow to Zapier

Before creating automated workflows, confirm that your ServiceNow account and environment are ready to connect.

ServiceNow account requirements for Zapier

• You need an active ServiceNow instance (production or development).
• You must have a user account with permission to access the tables you plan to use.
• Your instance must allow API access (REST APIs enabled and reachable from the public internet).

If you are unsure about your permissions or instance access, contact your ServiceNow administrator to confirm that REST API access is enabled for your user and instance.

Information you need for the Zapier connection

Gather the following details before you try to connect ServiceNow inside Zapier:

• Your ServiceNow instance URL (for example: https://yourinstance.service-now.com).
• Your ServiceNow username.
• Your ServiceNow password or API credentials.

Having these details ready will speed up the connection process once you start building workflows in Zapier.

How to Connect ServiceNow to Zapier

You can link your ServiceNow account to Zapier from any step in a workflow where you choose ServiceNow as a trigger or action app.

Step-by-step: Add a ServiceNow account in Zapier

1. Log in to your Zapier account.
2. Click Create and choose to build a new workflow.
3. In the trigger or action search bar, type ServiceNow and select it.
4. Click Sign in or Connect a new account when prompted.
5. In the connection window, enter your:
   • ServiceNow instance URL.
   • Username.
   • Password or API credentials.
6. Click Yes, Continue (or the equivalent confirmation button).

Zapier will test the connection to your ServiceNow instance. If the details are correct and your instance is reachable, the account will be added and appear in your list of available connections.

Fixing common connection issues in Zapier

If Zapier cannot connect to ServiceNow, check the following:

• Confirm the instance URL is correct, including protocol (https://).
• Verify your username and password by logging in directly to ServiceNow.
• Make sure your IP address or Zapier traffic is not being blocked by a firewall.
• Ask your ServiceNow admin to ensure REST API access is enabled for your user role.

Once issues are resolved, return to Zapier and try connecting the account again.

Available ServiceNow Triggers in Zapier

Triggers in Zapier start a workflow when something happens in ServiceNow. When you select ServiceNow as the trigger app, you can choose from different event types depending on your version of the integration.

Typical ServiceNow triggers in Zapier

While the exact list may change over time, common trigger types include:

• New Record: Starts a workflow when a new record is added to a specific table.
• Updated Record: Starts when an existing record is updated.
• New Incident: Runs when a new incident is created (if available in your integration version).
• New Problem or New Change: May trigger when new problem or change records arrive, depending on the app configuration.

After you choose a trigger, Zapier will ask you to pick the table or record type and define any filters, such as priority or assignment group.

How to test ServiceNow triggers in Zapier

1. Choose a ServiceNow trigger event in Zapier.
2. Select your connected ServiceNow account.
3. Configure the table or conditions for the trigger.
4. Click Test or Test Trigger.

Zapier will pull sample records from ServiceNow to help you map fields later in the workflow. If no sample is found, create a test record in ServiceNow that matches your trigger conditions and test again.

Available ServiceNow Actions in Zapier

Actions in Zapier let you create or update data in ServiceNow when an event occurs in another app. Once you choose ServiceNow as an action in your workflow, you can select the operation you want to perform.

Typical ServiceNow actions in Zapier

Common actions you may see include:

• Create Record: Create a new record in any supported table, such as incident, problem, change, or a custom table.
• Update Record: Modify fields on an existing record based on a record ID or search criteria.
• Find Record (if available): Look up an existing record in ServiceNow and optionally create one if it does not exist.

When configuring actions, Zapier will display a list of fields from the chosen table. You can map data from previous steps, such as form submissions, chat messages, or alerts from monitoring tools.

Testing ServiceNow actions inside Zapier

1. Choose your ServiceNow action event in Zapier.
2. Select your connected ServiceNow account.
3. Pick the target table and map the required fields.
4. Click Test step to send data to ServiceNow.

If the test is successful, a new or updated record will appear in your ServiceNow instance. Review the record to confirm all values are mapped correctly before turning the workflow on.

Building Your First ServiceNow Workflow in Zapier

After you have a working connection and understand the triggers and actions, you can assemble a complete workflow in Zapier.

Example workflow idea with Zapier

Here is a simple example of what you can build:

1. Trigger: Form submission in a web tool.
2. Action: Create a new incident record in ServiceNow with the submitted details.
3. Optional action: Send a confirmation message in a chat app or email.

This setup ensures every new request automatically appears in your IT service management system without manual entry.

Best practices when using ServiceNow in Zapier

• Start with non-production tables or a development instance while testing.
• Map only the fields you really need to keep workflows simple.
• Use filters and conditions in Zapier to limit when records are created or updated.
• Document which workflows touch specific ServiceNow tables to avoid conflicting updates.

Where to Learn More About ServiceNow and Zapier

For deeper technical details, supported triggers, and actions, review the official ServiceNow app documentation on the Zapier help center. You can find the original reference article at this Zapier ServiceNow guide.

If you need broader automation strategy, integration planning, or workflow design support across multiple tools, you can also explore expert resources such as Consultevo for consulting services.

Once your connection is configured and tested, you can reuse the same ServiceNow account in any future workflow you build in Zapier, helping you standardize and scale automation across your organization.

Need Help With Zapier?

Work with ConsultEvo — a

Zapier Certified Solution Partner

helping teams build reliable, scalable automations that actually move the business forward.

Get Zapier Help