How to Import Existing Contacts into GoHighLevel

If you are moving over from tools like ClickUp or another CRM, you can quickly bring your existing contacts into GoHighLevel with a simple import process. This guide walks you step-by-step through preparing your CSV file, uploading it, and mapping your data so that every contact lands in the right place.

Following these instructions will help you avoid common import errors, preserve your data, and keep your GoHighLevel account clean and organized from day one.

Before You Start: Prepare Your CSV for GoHighLevel

To ensure a smooth import into GoHighLevel, you must prepare a properly formatted CSV file. Most spreadsheet tools such as Google Sheets, Excel, or similar software can export CSV files.

Essential CSV Requirements for GoHighLevel

• File type must be .csv (comma-separated values).
• Ensure the first row contains column headers (for example, First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone).
• One contact per row only.
• Remove formulas; use values only.
• Delete any extra blank rows or columns.

Recommended Fields for GoHighLevel Imports

While GoHighLevel can import many different fields, the following are the most commonly used for CRM operations and automation:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Full Name (if you use a single column)
• Email
• Phone
• Company Name
• Address details (Street, City, State, Zip, Country)
• Tags (if you want to pre-assign labels)
• Custom fields that already exist in your GoHighLevel account

Accessing the Contacts Section in GoHighLevel

Once your CSV is ready, you can start the import from within the GoHighLevel dashboard.

1. Log in to your GoHighLevel account.
2. Select the appropriate sub-account where you want to import contacts.
3. In the left-hand navigation, click on Contacts.
4. Inside the Contacts area, look for the Import or Import Contacts button.

You must be in the correct sub-account because contacts only belong to the specific location you choose in GoHighLevel.

How to Import a CSV File into GoHighLevel

After you open the Contacts section, you are ready to upload your CSV file and start the mapping process.

Step 1: Upload Your CSV File

1. Click Import within the Contacts area.
2. Select Upload File or drag and drop your CSV into the upload zone.
3. Confirm that the file type is .csv and that the correct file is selected.
4. Click Next or Continue to proceed.

If the CSV structure is valid, GoHighLevel will display a preview of your data so you can match each column to the right field.

Step 2: Map CSV Columns to GoHighLevel Fields

Field mapping ensures each column in your CSV imports into the correct contact field inside GoHighLevel.

1. For each column from your CSV, open the drop-down menu and choose the related GoHighLevel field, such as:
   • First Name → First Name
   • Last Name → Last Name
   • Email Address → Email
   • Mobile → Phone
2. If your CSV has a column that doesn’t match any existing field, you can:
   • Map it to an existing custom field, or
   • Create a new custom field first in GoHighLevel, then re-run the import.
3. Make sure at least one unique identifier (Email or Phone) is correctly mapped to avoid duplicates.

Review all mappings carefully. Incomplete or incorrect mappings may cause data to be misplaced or skipped during the import.

Step 3: Choose Import Options in GoHighLevel

Depending on your GoHighLevel configuration, you may see additional options that control how the contacts are processed.

• Assign tags: Add one or more tags to all imported contacts for easy filtering.
• Update existing records: Allow the import to overwrite or update contacts that already exist with the same Email or Phone.
• Skip duplicates: Prevent existing contacts from being changed during this import.

Select the options that best fit your workflow and data quality requirements.

Running and Monitoring the GoHighLevel Import

Once your mappings and options are ready, you can run the GoHighLevel contact import.

Step 4: Start the Import

1. Click Import or Start to launch the process.
2. Stay on the page or navigate to any on-screen Import History or Status section.

Larger CSV files may take a few minutes to complete. GoHighLevel typically shows you a progress indicator or completion message.

Step 5: Review the Import Results in GoHighLevel

After the import finishes, review your contacts to confirm everything imported correctly.

1. Go back to the Contacts tab in GoHighLevel.
2. Filter or search by a tag or field you know was included in the CSV.
3. Open a few individual contact records to verify:
   • Names, emails, and phone numbers are in the right fields.
   • Tags and custom fields appear as expected.
   • No major data is missing or in the wrong place.

If any information is incorrect, fix the CSV file and perform a new import, or adjust the records manually for small corrections.

Handling Common GoHighLevel Import Issues

Even with careful preparation, you may encounter some common issues when importing contacts into GoHighLevel.

Formatting Problems

• Special characters: Remove unusual symbols that may break the CSV format.
• Phone numbers: Standardize phone formats (for example, include country code) before upload.
• Date fields: Use a consistent date format like YYYY-MM-DD if you plan to map dates.

Duplicate or Missing Contacts in GoHighLevel

• Check whether you chose the option to skip or update duplicates.
• Confirm that the unique identifier (Email or Phone) is consistent and correctly mapped.
• Re-import a smaller test CSV to confirm your settings before doing a large batch.

Best Practices for Clean Data in GoHighLevel

Good data hygiene makes GoHighLevel more powerful for marketing, sales, and automation.

• Test with a small file: Start with 10–20 contacts to confirm mapping and import options.
• Use consistent naming: Keep field names clear so your team understands how to use them.
• Leverage tags: Add descriptive tags during import (such as “Imported-2025-Contacts”) for quick segmentation.
• Document your process: Save notes on your mapping and settings so you can repeat the process later.

Learn More About GoHighLevel Contact Management

For more detailed, official documentation about importing contacts into GoHighLevel, you can review the original guide on the GoHighLevel help center here: GoHighLevel: Getting Started – Import Existing Contacts.

If you need strategic help with CRM setups, automations, or data structure around GoHighLevel, advanced consultants at Consultevo can help you plan and optimize your implementation.

Next Steps After Your GoHighLevel Import

• Organize contacts with smart lists or filters.
• Set up campaigns or workflows that use your newly imported data.
• Regularly audit and clean your database to keep GoHighLevel running efficiently.

By following these steps, you can confidently import your existing contacts, maintain accurate records, and take full advantage of automation, pipelines, and communication tools inside GoHighLevel.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your GHL , work with ConsultEvo — trusted GoHighLevel Partners.

Scale GoHighLevel

“`