Help
Troubleshoot Zaps
Zaps not working as expected

Zap is stuck in a loop

troubleshooting
Last updated:

Zapier University

Avoiding Zap Loops

Zaps get stuck in a “loop” when they run over and over again from a single trigger event. Zap loops can occur if you have two Zaps that trigger each other, or a single Zap performs an action that is identical to the event it is triggered from.

Example

Zap 1: When a new contact is added to Salesforce, create a new contact in Google Contacts.

Zap 2: When a new contact is added to Google Contacts, create a new contact in Salesforce.

This causes a Zap loop as the first Zap triggers the second Zap, which then triggers the first Zap, and so on.

Heads Up

Taking the steps in this article will prevent a non-stop loop from occurring in your Zaps. It will not enable two objects to sync or update across different apps. Learn more about Zapier’s support for two-way syncing.

1. Update a field in both Zaps

Zaps must identify what is new or old data when they are triggered, in order to run only when new data comes in.

  • In your first Zap, click Edit Template in the action step.
  • Find a field that you can update with data when an object passes through the Zap for the first time. For example, you can update a note, tag, or binary field.
  • Repeat these steps for your second Zap.

This field can be used with a filter in your other Zap to identify objects that have already passed through the Zap, which prevents a loop from occurring.

Example

Zap 1: When a new contact is added to Salesforce, create a new contact in Google Contacts.

In the Create Contact action step, add “#sf” to the Notes field to identify contacts created in Google Contacts from this action.

Zap 2: When a new contact is added to Google Contacts, create a new contact in Salesforce.
In the Create Contact action step, add “#ggl” to the Contact Description field to identify contacts created in Salesforce from this action.

2. Add a filter to both Zaps

Next, add a filter to each Zap to identify objects that have passed through the other Zap. The filter will stop the Zap from running if the object that triggers the Zap has passed through the other Zap.

Example

Zap 1: When a new contact is added to Salesforce, create a new contact in Google Contacts.

Set up the filter so the Zap only continues if "#ggl" doesn't exist in the Contact Description field on the Salesforce contact record.

Zap 2: When a new contact is added to Google Contacts, create a new contact in Salesforce.

Set up the filter so the Zap only continues if "#sf" doesn't exist in the Notes field on the Google contact record.

If your Zaps continue to loop after taking these steps, contact support for further assistance.

Was this doc helpful?
Need More Help?

Zapier Support

Contact our world class support team and we’ll be happy to help you get up and running!
Contact Us

Hire an Expert

We have a directory of professionals across the globe who are ready to help.
Find a Zapier Expert