How to Update Time Entries in ClickUp via API

The ClickUp Time Tracking API lets you update existing time entries so your reports, billing, and automation stay accurate and up to date. This how-to guide walks you through every step required to call the Update a Time Entry endpoint, explain each field, and apply best practices for error-free integrations.

Overview of the ClickUp Time Entry Update Endpoint

The official ClickUp Update a Time Entry endpoint allows you to change details such as duration, description, timestamps, and associated task. You will use an HTTP PUT request with a JSON body and authentication via a personal token or OAuth 2.0.

The endpoint documented on the ClickUp developer site is:

Update a Time Entry API reference

Before writing any code, confirm that you have the correct workspace, team, and permissions to modify time entries.

Prerequisites for Using the ClickUp Time Tracking API

To successfully update a time entry through the ClickUp API, make sure you have:

• A ClickUp account with access to the workspace where time tracking is enabled.
• An API token or OAuth 2.0 app configured in ClickUp.
• The ID of the time entry you want to update.
• Basic knowledge of making HTTP requests (for example, using cURL, Postman, or your favorite programming language).

Optionally, you may need the task ID if you intend to move the time entry to a different task or confirm that it is attached to the correct task.

Understanding the ClickUp Update Time Entry Endpoint

The ClickUp endpoint for updating a time entry uses the following general pattern:

PUT https://api.clickup.com/api/v2/team/{team_id}/time_entries/{time_entry_id}

Key components:

• team_id: The workspace (team) in ClickUp where the time entry exists.
• time_entry_id: The unique identifier of the time entry you want to update.

Authentication is typically provided via the Authorization header with your API token or an OAuth bearer token.

Required Headers for ClickUp Time Entry Updates

Every request to the ClickUp Time Tracking API should include standard headers. The most important are:

• Authorization: <your_token_here>
• Content-Type: application/json

Ensure your token has sufficient permissions to update time entries on the specified workspace and that it is kept secure.

ClickUp Time Entry Fields You Can Update

The JSON body of your PUT request to ClickUp can include a variety of optional fields. Depending on your use case, you may change only one field or several at once. Common fields include:

• description: A short text label explaining what the time entry represents.
• tags: Labels for categorizing the time entry.
• billable: A boolean flag indicating whether the time entry is billable.
• start: The start time of the entry, in milliseconds since Unix epoch.
• duration: The total duration in milliseconds.
• end: The end time in milliseconds since Unix epoch.
• task_id: The ID of the ClickUp task the time entry is associated with.

Refer to the official ClickUp documentation linked above to confirm the latest available fields and any constraints on their usage.

Step-by-Step: Update a Time Entry in ClickUp

Follow these steps to update a time entry using the ClickUp API:

Step 1: Locate the Time Entry ID in ClickUp

You must know the specific time entry you want to modify. Common approaches:

• Use the Get Time Entries API endpoint and filter by task, date range, or user.
• Store the time entry ID in your own system when you first create it via API.

Once you have the time entry ID, you are ready to construct the update request.

Step 2: Build the Request URL for ClickUp

Replace the placeholders with your real values:

https://api.clickup.com/api/v2/team/<team_id>/time_entries/<time_entry_id>

Make sure that the team ID matches the workspace where the entry was created, otherwise ClickUp will not find the record.

Step 3: Create the JSON Body

Prepare a JSON object that includes only the fields you intend to update. Typical examples include:

• Fixing an incorrect start time.
• Adjusting duration after a timesheet review.
• Changing the description for better reporting in ClickUp.

For example, you might set a new description, duration, and billable flag. Always follow the format required by the ClickUp documentation for date and time values.

Step 4: Send the PUT Request to ClickUp

Using your preferred HTTP client, send the PUT request with:

• The full endpoint URL containing your team ID and time entry ID.
• Headers for authorization and JSON content type.
• The request body containing updated fields.

If the request is successful, ClickUp returns the updated time entry object in the response.

Step 5: Verify the Updated Time Entry in ClickUp

After receiving a successful response, verify that the change is reflected in your workspace:

• View the associated task in the ClickUp interface and open the time tracking panel.
• Confirm that the timestamps, description, and other fields now match the values you sent.
• If you use reporting or billing tools connected to ClickUp, run a quick report to confirm accurate totals.

Handling Errors from the ClickUp API

When updating time entries, the ClickUp API may return errors if something is wrong with your request. Common issues include:

• Invalid or missing authentication token.
• Incorrect team ID or time entry ID.
• Malformed JSON body.
• Invalid timestamp or duration values.

Review the HTTP status code and error message returned by ClickUp, then adjust your request accordingly. Implement logging and basic retry logic in production systems to make your integration more robust.

Best Practices for Time Tracking Integration with ClickUp

To keep your integration stable and easy to maintain, follow these guidelines when working with the ClickUp time tracking features:

• Store ClickUp time entry IDs in your own database whenever you create entries via API.
• Validate all timestamps and durations before sending them to the API.
• Use descriptive text for the description field so users can easily understand what each entry represents.
• Respect rate limits and consider batching updates when possible.
• Test updates in a non-production ClickUp workspace before rolling out to all users.

These habits reduce the chances of conflicting updates and inconsistent data.

Advanced Automation Ideas for ClickUp Time Entries

Once you are comfortable updating time entries through the ClickUp API, you can build more advanced workflows, such as:

• Synchronizing time from an external time clock system into ClickUp for centralized reporting.
• Automatically marking entries as billable based on client or project rules.
• Correcting entries in bulk after adjusting hourly rates or invoicing policies.
• Applying tags to time entries for easier analysis in ClickUp dashboards.

For businesses that want help designing complex automation around ClickUp, specialist consultancies such as Consultevo can assist with architecture, implementation, and optimization.

Where to Learn More About the ClickUp Time Tracking API

The primary reference for every field, parameter, and response is the official ClickUp developer documentation. Always confirm details there before deploying a new integration or making changes to production code.

Visit the official endpoint reference here:
ClickUp Update a Time Entry documentation

By following the steps and best practices described in this guide, you can reliably update time entries in ClickUp through the API, keeping your time tracking and reporting accurate across all your tools.

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