How to Use GoHighLevel to Update a Contact Field in Workflows
In this guide you will learn step by step how to use the GoHighLevel workflow action called Update Contact Field. Even if you are used to ClickUp automations or other CRM tools, this tutorial will show you exactly how to configure the action, choose fields, and keep your contact data accurate.
The Update Contact Field action lets you change contact information automatically whenever a workflow runs, helping you maintain clean data and better segmentation.
What the GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Action Does
The Update Contact Field action in GoHighLevel allows you to modify one or more contact fields inside an automated workflow. As soon as a contact reaches this action, the selected fields are updated based on rules you define.
This is useful for:
- Correcting or replacing outdated values.
- Tagging contacts based on behavior or milestones.
- Adjusting custom fields for scoring or segmentation.
- Syncing values used in funnels, email, and SMS automation.
Because the action runs inside workflows, the contact record is updated in real time without manual data entry.
Where to Find the Update Contact Field Action in GoHighLevel
To get started, you need to open an existing workflow or create a new one in GoHighLevel.
- Log in to your GoHighLevel sub-account.
- Go to Automation > Workflows.
- Open an existing workflow or click Create Workflow to build a new one.
- Inside the workflow editor, click the plus (+) icon where you want to add the action.
- From the action list, choose Update Contact Field.
Once selected, the configuration panel for this action will appear on the right side of the workflow builder.
How to Configure the GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Action
After you add the action, you must specify which contact fields to update and what values to apply.
Selecting Contact Fields in GoHighLevel
Inside the Update Contact Field action settings you will see a field selector. Here is how to use it:
- Click the Field dropdown.
- Choose the contact field you want to update (standard or custom).
- Decide how the new value will be set.
Common field types you can update include:
- Name and contact details (first name, last name, email, phone).
- Lifecycle and status fields.
- Custom text, number, dropdown, or date fields.
Setting New Values with the GoHighLevel Action
Depending on the field type, GoHighLevel provides one or more ways to define the new value:
- Static value – Type a fixed value that will be applied to every contact that hits this action.
- Merge fields – Use data from the current contact record or related objects (for example, copying one field to another).
- Dropdown or boolean choices – Select from predefined options such as Yes/No or pick-list values.
Make sure the value you enter matches the field type so that your data remains consistent.
Practical Use Cases for the GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Action
The Update Contact Field action is flexible and supports many automation scenarios.
Lead Management with GoHighLevel Workflows
- Set a Lead Status or Pipeline Stage when a contact submits a form.
- Update a custom field like Source or Campaign Name when a contact enters from a specific funnel.
- Change ownership-related fields when a lead is assigned to a new team member.
Segmentation and Tagging in GoHighLevel
- Update a custom Interest or Category field based on link clicks.
- Maintain a Last Engagement Type field when a contact opens an email or replies to an SMS.
- Adjust numeric scoring or qualification fields after key actions.
Data Hygiene and Normalization
- Standardize values (for example, set a region field to a single normalized value).
- Correct blank or placeholder fields after new data is captured.
- Move information from temporary fields to final production fields.
Step-by-Step Example: Updating a Status Field in GoHighLevel
The following example walks through a basic configuration that updates a lead status when a form is submitted.
- Create or open a workflow whose trigger is Form Submitted.
- Click the plus (+) under the trigger.
- Choose Update Contact Field from the action menu.
- In the settings panel, open the Field dropdown and select your custom field such as Lead Status.
- Choose a new value, for example New Lead.
- Save the workflow and turn it ON.
Now, every time a contact submits that form, GoHighLevel will automatically set the Lead Status field to the new value you defined.
Best Practices When Using GoHighLevel Update Contact Field
Follow these tips to avoid data issues when building workflows:
- Plan your field structure – Decide which fields will be updated automatically so that your team knows what to expect.
- Avoid conflicting workflows – Make sure multiple workflows are not updating the same field with different values at the same time.
- Test with sample contacts – Run the workflow on test records and verify the fields are updated correctly.
- Document your logic – Keep notes on which workflows touch which fields to simplify future maintenance.
Troubleshooting the GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Action
If a contact field is not updating as expected, review the following:
- Workflow conditions – Confirm that the contact actually reaches the Update Contact Field step.
- Permissions and visibility – Ensure the field exists on the contact record and is not restricted by custom views.
- Field type mismatch – Check that the value you enter is valid for the field type (for example, date format for date fields).
- Overlapping automation – See whether a later action or another workflow overwrites the field.
For additional strategic guidance on automation design, you can review best practices from agencies that implement CRM systems at scale, such as the resources available at Consultevo.
Learn More About the GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Feature
To see the official product documentation and any recent interface changes, consult the original help article provided by the platform. You can visit the source page directly here: GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Help Article.
By using the Update Contact Field workflow action effectively, you keep contact data synchronized, support advanced segmentation, and ensure that all of your GoHighLevel automations work with accurate, up-to-date information.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your GHL , work with ConsultEvo — trusted GoHighLevel Partners.
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