Update Fields in GoHighLevel

/ CRM, GHL / By

Update Contact Fields in GoHighLevel Workflows

Keeping your CRM data clean across tools like ClickUp and GoHighLevel is essential for automation. This guide shows you exactly how to use the Update Contact Field workflow action so you can automatically edit contact details based on triggers and conditions.

The instructions below are based on the official documentation for the Update Contact Field action, adapted into a practical step-by-step tutorial.

What the GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Action Does

The Update Contact Field action in GoHighLevel lets you automatically change values on a contact record when a workflow runs.

You can use this action to:

  • Correct or overwrite existing contact data
  • Fill in missing fields after a form or survey is submitted
  • Tag contacts with lifecycle status or lead source
  • Sync details after a pipeline or opportunity change
  • Trigger follow-up sequences based on updated custom fields

This action works on both standard and custom fields that exist in your GoHighLevel account.

How to Add the GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Action

Follow these steps to add the action to any workflow.

  1. Open your workflow
    • Go to your GoHighLevel dashboard.
    • Navigate to Automation > Workflows.
    • Select an existing workflow or create a new one.
  2. Choose where to place the action
    • Click the + icon at the point in the workflow where you want the update to occur.
  3. Select the action
    • In the action list, search for Update Contact Field.
    • Click it to add it to your workflow step.

Configuring the GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Step

Once the action is added, you need to configure which field will be updated and what value it will receive.

1. Select the Contact Field to Update in GoHighLevel

This step tells GoHighLevel which specific field on the contact record should be changed.

  • Click the Field dropdown.
  • Choose from standard fields such as:
    • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Email
    • Phone
    • Company
  • Or choose any custom field you have created in your sub-account.

Only one field is updated per action. If you need to update multiple fields, add multiple Update Contact Field actions in the workflow.

2. Define the New Value in GoHighLevel

After choosing the field, set the value the workflow should write to that field.

You can choose from three value types:

  1. Static value
    • Type a fixed value that will be written to every contact that reaches this step.
    • Example: Set a Status custom field to Qualified.
  2. Contact field value
    • Map the value from another contact field.
    • Example: Copy Phone into a custom field called Primary Phone.
  3. Trigger or workflow data
    • Use dynamic data from the event that started the workflow (e.g., form submission, survey, pipeline change).
    • Example: Update a custom field from a value the contact submitted on a form.

Make sure the value type you choose matches the field type (text, number, dropdown, date, etc.) to avoid invalid data.

Common Use Cases for GoHighLevel Update Contact Field

Here are practical ways to use this action in your GoHighLevel automations.

Automatically Set Lead Status

  • Trigger: New contact added or form submitted.
  • Action: Use Update Contact Field to set a Lead Status custom field to New Lead.
  • Result: Consistent status values that power segmentation and reporting.

Track Source or Campaign

  • Trigger: Contact enters a workflow from a specific funnel or campaign.
  • Action: Update a Source or Campaign field with a static value like Facebook Ads.
  • Result: Clear visibility into which campaigns are generating contacts.

Sync Form Answers to Custom Fields in GoHighLevel

  • Trigger: Form or survey submission.
  • Action: For each important question, use Update Contact Field to store the answer into a dedicated custom field.
  • Result: Structured data available for conditional logic, filters, and personalized messaging.

Stage-Based Contact Enrichment

  • Trigger: Opportunity moves to a new pipeline stage.
  • Action: Update fields like Lifecycle Stage or Deal Phase.
  • Result: Up-to-date contact profiles that reflect your current relationship stage.

Best Practices for Using GoHighLevel Contact Field Updates

To keep your CRM clean and reliable, follow these best practices.

Plan Your Field Structure

  • Define a clear list of standard and custom fields before building workflows.
  • Avoid duplicate fields with similar meanings.
  • Use consistent naming conventions for custom fields.

Avoid Conflicting Updates in GoHighLevel

  • Review existing workflows that may already update the same fields.
  • Document which workflow controls which field.
  • Test in a staging or test contact before rolling out to real leads.

Use Conditional Logic Before Updating

  • Place If/Else conditions before the Update Contact Field step.
  • Example conditions:
    • Only update if the field is empty.
    • Only update if the current value is a specific status.
    • Only update based on tag or segment.

Test the Workflow Thoroughly

  1. Create a test contact in GoHighLevel.
  2. Manually enroll it into the workflow.
  3. Check the contact record before and after the workflow runs.
  4. Confirm the correct field was updated with the correct value type.

Troubleshooting GoHighLevel Contact Field Updates

If your field is not updating as expected, use this checklist.

  • Ensure the contact actually reaches the Update Contact Field step (check workflow history).
  • Verify the correct field is selected (standard vs. custom).
  • Confirm the value type (static, mapped field, or trigger data) is valid.
  • Check for other automations or workflows that may overwrite the same field later.
  • Review any If/Else conditions that might prevent the action from running.

You can always compare your configuration with the official documentation at this GoHighLevel support article to make sure you did not miss any required settings.

Next Steps: Scale Your GoHighLevel Automations

Once you are comfortable with the Update Contact Field action, you can combine it with:

  • Pipeline and opportunity actions
  • Tagging and segmenting workflows
  • Conditional logic based on custom fields
  • Task creation and notifications for your team

For more strategy-oriented help with CRM structure, automation design, and data hygiene, you can explore additional resources at Consultevo, which covers optimization approaches that integrate well with tools like GoHighLevel.

By carefully configuring the Update Contact Field workflow action, you ensure that contact records remain accurate, actionable, and ready to power advanced automation, reporting, and personalization inside your GoHighLevel account.

Need Help With ClickUp?

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

Scale GoHighLevel

“`