Update Date Fields in GoHighLevel

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How to Update Date-Type Contact Fields in GoHighLevel Workflows

GoHighLevel makes it easy to automate contact management, much like productivity platforms such as ClickUp automate task workflows. In this guide, you will learn step-by-step how to use the Update Contact Field workflow action specifically for date-type fields so your CRM data stays accurate and dynamic.

This tutorial is based on the official documentation and walks you through every setting needed to correctly configure date updates inside your automations.

What the GoHighLevel Update Contact Field Action Does

The Update Contact Field action in GoHighLevel allows you to change a value on the contact record automatically when a workflow step is reached. When the field you choose is a date-type field, the system shows date-specific options instead of simple text inputs.

With this action, you can:

  • Assign a fixed calendar date to a contact.
  • Assign a date relative to today (for example, today + 7 days).
  • Use specific behavior when the result is the current date.

This is essential for automating follow-ups, renewal reminders, trial expirations, and more inside GoHighLevel workflows.

Accessing the GoHighLevel Workflow Action

Before you can configure a date-type field update, you need to open or create a workflow in GoHighLevel.

  1. Log in to your GoHighLevel account.
  2. Navigate to Automation and open the Workflows section.
  3. Create a new workflow or edit an existing one.
  4. Click the plus (+) icon to add a new action.
  5. Select Update Contact Field from the list of available actions.

Once the action is added, you can start configuring it to work with a date-type custom or default field.

Choosing a Date-Type Contact Field in GoHighLevel

The behavior of the action changes when GoHighLevel recognizes that the selected contact field is of type Date. Instead of a normal text, toggle, or number input, you will see date configuration options.

To select a date-type field:

  1. In the Field dropdown, choose a contact field that is configured as a Date field in your custom fields or defaults.
  2. Confirm that date options appear. If you do not see them, the chosen field might not be a date-type field.

After you have selected a valid date-type field, you can choose how the value should be updated when the workflow runs.

GoHighLevel Date Field Update Options

When editing a date-type field via the workflow, GoHighLevel presents two main options in the Update Type setting:

  • Set Specific Date
  • Calculate Date

Each method serves different use cases and has unique configuration options.

Set Specific Date in GoHighLevel Workflows

Use Set Specific Date when you want every contact that reaches the action to receive the same fixed calendar date.

Configuration steps:

  1. In the Update Type dropdown, select Set Specific Date.
  2. Click on the date field that appears.
  3. Choose a calendar date from the date picker.
  4. Save your workflow action.

Example use cases:

  • All new event registrants are assigned the event date.
  • All contacts are tagged with the official campaign start date.
  • Every lead in a cohort gets the same onboarding date.

Once configured, any contact reaching this workflow step will have the chosen date saved into the specified field.

Calculate Date Dynamically in GoHighLevel

The Calculate Date option lets GoHighLevel compute the date dynamically based on the moment the contact hits the workflow step. This is ideal when each contact should have a different date relative to when they enter the automation.

Configuration steps:

  1. Select Calculate Date under Update Type.
  2. Set the Interval value (e.g., 3, 7, 30).
  3. Choose the Interval Type such as days, weeks, or months (as available in the interface).
  4. Choose the Direction: add or subtract from the current date.

The workflow will then compute the resulting date each time the action runs. For instance, you can schedule follow-ups exactly 5 days after a lead opts in, or set a trial expiration 14 days from the signup date.

Understanding Calculated Date Behavior in GoHighLevel

When using Calculate Date, GoHighLevel uses the current date at the time the workflow action is executed as the base for your calculation.

Key behaviors:

  • Base date: The system uses “today” when the contact hits the step.
  • Positive intervals: Add days, weeks, or months to push a date into the future.
  • Negative intervals: Subtract days, weeks, or months to set a date in the past.

The final computed date is then written to the chosen date-type field, replacing any previous value stored there.

When Calculated Date Equals Today in GoHighLevel

Sometimes the calculation result may equal the current date. In that case, GoHighLevel still stores the date in the field without special processing. However, this situation is important to consider if you are using the field for triggers or filters.

Possible implications:

  • A workflow or campaign might be set to run when the date is today.
  • Reports or segments using “date is today” conditions may include that contact immediately.
  • Time zone differences could affect the perceived current date for each contact.

Plan your logic so that when the calculated date equals the current date, the rest of your automation behaves as expected.

Best Practices for GoHighLevel Date Field Automation

To keep your GoHighLevel account and workflows clean, follow these recommended practices when working with date-type fields:

  • Use descriptive custom field names such as “Onboarding Start Date” or “Trial End Date” so they are easy to identify in workflows.
  • Document your logic inside the workflow using notes or clear step names.
  • Test with a single contact before running a live campaign, especially when using Calculate Date.
  • Consider time zones if your audience spans multiple regions.
  • Avoid overwriting critical dates unless you are sure the previous value is no longer needed.

Example GoHighLevel Workflow Scenarios

Here are common scenarios where date-type field updates are especially valuable inside GoHighLevel workflows:

Scenario 1: Setting an Event Date

  • Use Set Specific Date to assign the event date to all registrants.
  • Trigger reminder sequences based on that stored event date.

Scenario 2: Scheduling a Follow-Up Contact

  • Use Calculate Date with an interval of a few days.
  • Store the follow-up date in a custom field.
  • Build additional workflow paths that check when the follow-up date is today.

Scenario 3: Managing Trial Expiration

  • On subscription start, set a field like “Trial End Date” using Calculate Date (for example, today + 14 days).
  • Use pipeline automation or campaigns to notify contacts as they approach the end date.

Where to Learn More About GoHighLevel Date Fields

You can review the official instructions and interface details on the GoHighLevel help center here: GoHighLevel Workflow Action: Update Contact Field (Date Type Field).

If you need expert implementation support, automation strategy, or CRM optimization around GoHighLevel, you can also visit Consultevo for professional services and guidance.

Summary: Automating Date Fields in GoHighLevel

By correctly using the Update Contact Field action for date-type fields, GoHighLevel users can automate critical timing across their funnels and campaigns. Whether you use Set Specific Date for fixed events or Calculate Date for relative schedules, this feature keeps your CRM data synchronized with your automation logic and ensures that every contact moves through your system at exactly the right time.

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