Access to the Contacts API requires OAuth 2.0 tokens with the appropriate scope. Request the Contacts API scope (for read-only operations: contacts.readonly) and include the access token in Authorization: Bearer
In Zapier, configure OAuth 2.0 flow or an API Key method for app authentication. Store credentials securely in the app, refresh tokens as needed, and test authenticated requests against the Contacts API.
Key endpoints include: GET /contacts/:contactId GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId GET /contacts/:contactId/notes GET /contacts/:contactId/notes/:id GET /contacts/:contactId/appointments GET /contacts/ GET /contacts/business/:businessId contacts.write POST /contacts/ PUT /contacts/:contactId DELETE /contacts/:contactId POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId/completed DELETE /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId POST /contacts/:contactId/tags
Trigger: Retrieve a contact by ID using GET /contacts/:contactId
Actions: Retrieve a contact’s tasks, notes, and appointments using GET endpoints and aggregate results in a single Zapier action path.
GET /contacts/:contactId
contactId
Trigger: Create a new contact via POST /contacts/
Actions: Create a contact (POST /contacts/), then create initial tasks (POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks) and tags (POST /contacts/:contactId/tags) to set up onboarding.
POST /contacts/
contactId, taskId
Trigger: Update a contact with PUT /contacts/:contactId
Actions: Mark a task as completed (PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId/completed) and update notes (PUT /contacts/:contactId/notes/:id) as part of the workflow.
PUT /contacts/:contactId
contactId, taskId
No-code automation: Build workflows in minutes without writing a line of code.
Centralized data flow: Synchronize contacts, tasks, and notes across your apps in real time.
Rapid testing and iteration: Use Zapier’s test mode to validate integrations before going live.
Understand the core concepts used when connecting GHL to an app: API endpoints, authentication, scopes, triggers, and actions. This glossary helps you design robust, scalable workflows.
A URL exposed by the GHL API used to perform a specific operation on contacts, tasks, or notes (for example GET /contacts/:contactId).
The process of proving identity to access the API, typically via OAuth 2.0 access tokens and refresh tokens.
An authorization framework that grants access tokens to perform API requests on behalf of a user or app.
Permissions granted to an app to access resources, such as contacts.readonly.
When a new contact is added in GHL, automatically create a starter task in your app using the appropriate endpoints.
Push contact updates to your CRM and keep data consistent across systems in real time.
Use GHL tags to route contacts into different automation paths in Zapier.
Obtain an OAuth token with the required scope (contacts.readonly) and configure your Zapier app to use it.
Select GET /contacts/:contactId and downstream endpoints to drive triggers and actions in Zapier.
Run tests, verify data flows, handle errors, and publish.
The GHL Contacts API provides programmatic access to manage contacts, tasks, notes, and appointments, enabling automation and integrations with Zapier. Access requires proper authentication and scopes; for read-only operations, use contacts.readonly.
No-code automation is possible with the Zapier App Connector; you can build triggers, actions, and searches without writing code. For advanced scenarios, consider custom fields and mapping; authentication is handled in app settings, not in your workflow.
Key endpoints include GET /contacts/:contactId, GET /contacts/, POST /contacts/, PUT /contacts/:contactId, DELETE /contacts/:contactId, and endpoints for tasks, notes, and tags. A complete list is provided in the endpoint section of this page.
Authenticate with OAuth 2.0 to obtain an access token with the required scope (contacts.readonly for reading data). Include the token in the Authorization header for each request and refresh as needed.
Best practices include using idempotent operations, handling retries with exponential backoff, and mapping data consistently across systems. Log errors, monitor rate limits, and test changes in a staging environment before going live.
Test your connection using Zapier’s test mode and sandbox endpoints or by sending sample payloads. Validate field mappings, authentication, and error handling with real-world scenarios.
API rate limits vary by plan; refer to GHL documentation for current limits and recommended backoff strategies. If you hit limits, implement retry logic and consider batching requests where possible.
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Complete Operations Catalog - 126 Actions & Triggers
