Kaizen #171: FAQs on COQL API

Kaizen #171: FAQs on COQL API

Hello all!!
Welcome back to another post in the Kaizen series!

In this post, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about Zoho CRM's COQL API from the Zoho CRM Developer Community Forum.




COQL API

Query API lets you query for records based on queries using the CRM Object Query Language(COQL). COQL is based on the SQL query syntax, and supports the SELECT query to fetch records. Using this API, you can query for data across different modules that are linked using lookup fields. 

1. Why did I get a SYNTAX error for the following query?


{
    "select_query":"select External from Contacts where id is not null"
}


Answer: 
The error occurs because the query uses an SQL reserved keyword, "External", as a column name without enclosing it in quotes. When using SQL reserved keywords like "External", you must enclose them in single or double quotes.

The above-query can be written as:

{
    "select_query":"select 'External' from Contacts where id is not null"
}



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Why does the following query throw an error?


{
    "select_query":"select id from Contacts where id is not null and Account_Name is not null and Vendor_Name is not null"
}


Answer: 
When the query involves more than two criteria, ensure that you enclose your criteria properly by grouping them in pairs, such as ((A and B) and C).

The above-query can be written as:

{
    "select_query": "select id from Contacts where ((id is not null and Account_Name is not null) and Vendor_Name is not null)"
}


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. How to escape single quotes within single quotes and double quotes within double quotes?

Answer: 
For single quote:

If you want to retrieve a value that contains a single quote, for example, 1' 2 in the Designation field (a single-line field), you need to escape the single quote in the value by adding another single quote.

Example:
1'' 2

Sample Input and Response:



For double quotes:

If you want to retrieve a value which contains double quotes, for example, 1' ' 2 in the Designation field (any single-line field), then you have to escape each double quotes with backslash (\) in the value.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Why does the following query throw an error?


{
    "select_query":"select What_Id->Leads.Last_Name from Tasks where id is not null"
}


Answer: 
Special characters such as "-",  ">"  "*", and "!" in a query must be enclosed within quotes, either in single or double quotes. 
Your query can be written as:


{
    "select_query":"select 'What_Id->Leads.Last_Name' from Tasks where id is not null"
}



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. How can I retrieve records from a subform module using COQL?

Answer: 
To retrieve subform data within a module, specify the respective subform module's API name in your query instead of querying the parent module. For more details, refer to Kaizen #124 on managing Subforms using Zoho CRM APIs.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. How to retrieve Multi Select lookup field data using COQL?

Answer: 
To query Multi-Select Lookup fields (MxN fields), you need to retrieve the data through the corresponding linking module instead of querying them directly from the parent module. For more details, refer to Kaizen #125 on manipulating Multi-Select Lookup fields using Zoho CRM APIs.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Can I query more than 50,000 records?

Answer: 
Up to V6, you can retrieve up to 10,000 records without changing the criteria by using the LIMIT and OFFSET in your query. When retrieving the initial 10,000 records, make an API call with Created_Time, Modified_Time, or ID in the ORDER BY clause. To fetch more than 10,000 records, apply a condition based on the fields used in the initial ORDER BY clause in the query.
Refer to the Pagination section for more details. 
From V7 onwards, we support retrieving up to 1,00,000 records without changing the criteria by using LIMIT and OFFSET in your query. To fetch more than 1,00,000 records, please refer to the Pagination section for more details.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8. Is territory field supported in COQL?

Answer: 
Yes,  you can use the territory field in the COQL from V7. Refer to the Territories section in COQL document for sample.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9. Is CVID support provided in COQL?

Answer: 
Yes, from V7, you can use the CVID in your query. Refer to the CVID section in the COQL document for details.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10. What are the supported aggregate functions, and why do they not work with values like Avg or avg?

Answer:
The aggregate functions are case-sensitive and only work when specified in all capital letters.  Using values like Avg or avg will result in an error.
The supported aggregate functions are MIN, MAX, AVG, SUM, and COUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11. Are other SQL-related functions like CONCAT or DATE() supported in COQL?

Answer:
No, COQL in Zoho CRM API Version 7 currently supports only aggregate functions and does not include other SQL-related functions like CONCAT or DATE().
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Is it possible to select more than 50 fields in the SELECT column?

Answer:
Yes, from Zoho CRM API Version 7, the limit has been increased from 50 to 500 fields in the SELECT column.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13. Can Multi-Module Lookup inner fields be queried?

Answer:

Yes, you can query fields from the associated module in a Multi-Module Lookup (e.g., Appointments module). 

Use the following format:

select 'What_Id->{associated_module_API_name}.{field_API_name_from_associated_module}'

Example:

{
  "select_query": "select 'What_Id->Leads.Last_Name','What_Id->Accounts.Account_Type' from Events where id is not null"
}



Note:
From Zoho CRM API Version 7, you can also query the "Appointment_For" field.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14. Is Display Name available for all types of lookup fields?

Answer:
From V7, the display name is available for Lookup and User Lookup fields when you specify them in the SELECT column, but it is not available for Consent Lookup and Multi-Module Lookup (MML) fields.
Please note, for the Users module, only the "last_name" is shown as the display field for the Users module is last_name.

Example:

{
    "select_query": "select Account_Name, Owner, Data_Processing_Basis_Details from Contacts where Data_Processing_Basis_Details is not null"
}


Response:

{
    "data": [
        {
            "Owner": { //user lookup field
                "name": "Boyle",
                "id": "5725767000000411001"
            },
            "Account_Name": { //lookup field
                "name": "Zoho",
                "id": "5725767000003464060"
            },
            "Data_Processing_Basis_Details": { //consent lookup field
                "id": "5725767000005083039"
            },
            "id": "5725767000005091053"
        }
    ],
    "info": {
        "count": 1,
        "more_records": false
    }
}


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15. Is it possible to get a Full Name based on User Preference?

Answer:
The Full Name field is supported in the Leads, Contacts, and Users modules.

Leads and Contacts modules:
  • Below V7: You must query the first_name and last_name fields separately and concatenate them to form the Full Name.
  • From V7: You can directly query the full_name field in the SELECT column, and it will return data based on the User Preference.
Users module:
In all versions, the full_name field is not directly supported. You need to query the first_name and last_name fields separately and concatenate them to construct the Full Name.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16. Is it possible to use Profile Image and Rollup Summary fields in criteria?

Answer:
From V7, you can use Profile Image and Rollup Summary fields in criteria.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17. Which fields are restricted in all clauses?

Answer:
The following fields are restricted from being included in all columns:
  • Multi-select lookup fields: These cannot be queried directly from the parent module. Instead, query them from their respective linking modules.
  • Line items: Pricing_Details and Product_Details
    • Pricing_Details: This field cannot be queried as it is not a subform but a separate section.
    • Product_Details: This is a subform. You cannot query data from the parent module. Instead, query it directly from the respective subform module.
  • Participants in the Events module.
  • File/Image upload fields
  • Availability Information fields in the Services module
    • Choose Date(s)
    • Choose Day(s)
Check the following image for reference.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18. Which fields are restricted only in criteria?

Answer:
The following fields have restrictions when used in criteria:
  • Multiline fields: Cannot be used in criteria.
  • Encrypted numeric fields: Support limited comparators (is null, is not null, =, != ).
  • Encrypted non-numeric fields: Support only is null and is not null comparators.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

19. Which fields are restricted only in the Group By clause?

Answer:
Encrypted fields are restricted from being used in the Group By clause.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20. Which fields are restricted only in the ORDER BY clause?

Answer:
Encrypted fields are restricted from being used in the ORDER BY clause.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21. Is External ID supported in COQL?

Answer:
Yes, External ID has been supported from Zoho CRM API's Version 4. Please note that operators such as "is null" and "is not null" are not supported in the criteria when using External ID.

Supported operators are "=", "!=", "in" and "not in".

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

22. How to resolve a 408 error (Request Timeout)?

Answer:
If your query takes more than a second to parse, a request timeout error will occur.

To avoid this, ensure the query is not overly complex and that all parentheses are properly balanced. Simplifying the query or fixing any mismatched parentheses can help resolve the issue.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

23. Is it necessary to query the records based only on the User Time Zone?

Answer: 
No, users can query records based on any time zone. However, the response will always be returned in the time zone of the user who made the query.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

24. Which fields are restricted when using aggregate functions, for example, SUM(field_API_name)?

Answer: 
Encrypted fields are restricted and cannot be used in the aggregate functions like SUM, AVG, MIX, or MAX.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

25. Where can we use Alias?

Answer:
Alias can be used in the SELECT clause and in the ORDER BY clause. You can assign an alias in the SELECT clause, and the assigned alias can be referenced in the ORDER BY clause. But you cannot assign an alias directly in the ORDER BY clause. 

Note: Alias cannot be used in the other clauses, such as WHERE and GROUP BY.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Info
More enhancements in the COQL API are now live in Zoho CRM API Version 7. Check out the V7 Changelog for detailed information on these updates.

We trust that this post meets your needs and is helpful.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or reach out to us at support@zohocrm.com

    Access your files securely from anywhere









                          Zoho Developer Community




                                                • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                • Digest


                                                • Functions


                                                • Meetups


                                                • Kbase


                                                • Resources


                                                • Glossary


                                                • Desk Marketplace


                                                • MVP Corner


                                                • Word of the Day


                                                • Ask the Experts





                                                          Manage your brands on social media



                                                                Zoho TeamInbox Resources



                                                                    Zoho CRM Plus Resources

                                                                      Zoho Books Resources


                                                                        Zoho Subscriptions Resources

                                                                          Zoho Projects Resources


                                                                            Zoho Sprints Resources


                                                                              Qntrl Resources


                                                                                Zoho Creator Resources



                                                                                    Zoho CRM Resources

                                                                                    • CRM Community Learning Series

                                                                                      CRM Community Learning Series


                                                                                    • Kaizen

                                                                                      Kaizen

                                                                                    • Functions

                                                                                      Functions

                                                                                    • Meetups

                                                                                      Meetups

                                                                                    • Kbase

                                                                                      Kbase

                                                                                    • Resources

                                                                                      Resources

                                                                                    • Digest

                                                                                      Digest

                                                                                    • CRM Marketplace

                                                                                      CRM Marketplace

                                                                                    • MVP Corner

                                                                                      MVP Corner







                                                                                        Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                        Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                        Get Started Now


                                                                                          Zoho Show Resources


                                                                                            Zoho Writer Writer

                                                                                            Get Started. Write Away!

                                                                                            Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.

                                                                                              Zoho CRM コンテンツ






                                                                                                Nederlandse Hulpbronnen


                                                                                                    ご検討中の方




                                                                                                          • Recent Topics

                                                                                                          • How to Hide Article Links in SalesIQ Answer Bot Responses

                                                                                                            I have published an article in SalesIQ, and the Answer Bot is fetching the data and responding correctly. However, it is also displaying the article link, which I don’t want. How can I remove the link so that only the message is shown?
                                                                                                          • Add RECURRING option when adding email to calendar events

                                                                                                            When you add an email to a calendar event, there is no option to make that new calendar event into a recurring event.  It is counterproductive to make an event from your email to then have to go to your calendar, find the event, and make it recurring. 
                                                                                                          • Using Contains as a filter

                                                                                                            We are using Zoho Reports, ServiceDesk Plus analytics. I do not see how to create a report filter using Contains comparison of a string values, is one string contained in another. For example, Task Title contains the word Monitor. Is this possible in Zoho Reports?  This reporting feature is available in SDP reporting. Thanks in advance, Craig Rice
                                                                                                          • LINE Auto Message Connect to Zoho

                                                                                                            When I integrated LINE into the CRM, I was prompted to disable “Chat,” “Auto Response,” and “Greeting Messages,” and to enable the webhook. However, since I have already set up some auto-reply features in LINE, including Rich Messages and greeting automation,
                                                                                                          • Option to block bookings from specific email address or ip adresss in zoho booking

                                                                                                            Sometime few of our client keep booking irrelevant booking service just to resolve their queries and they keep booking it again and again whenever they have queries. Currently its disturbing our current communication process and hierarchy which we have
                                                                                                          • Threaded conversations for emails sent via automation

                                                                                                            Hi Guys, I hope you are doing well. Don't you guys think we should have an option in a workflow to notify users either as a new email or the previous email thread. For example, if you have one deal in the process and there are 10 different stages during
                                                                                                          • All new Address Field in Zoho CRM: maintain structured and accurate address inputs

                                                                                                            The address field will be available exclusively for IN DC users. We'll keep you updated on the DC-specific rollout soon. It's currently available for all new sign-ups and for existing Zoho CRM orgs which are in the Professional edition. Managing addresses
                                                                                                          • Create folder is fetch fails

                                                                                                            coming from zapier... zapier has a google drive task that searches for a specific folder in google drive, and if it fails to find the folder it will create a folder based on the search criteria, and contine along the singluar path of the flow. Trying
                                                                                                          • Meetups de Usuarios de Zoho - Noviembre 2025

                                                                                                            ¡Hola, Comunidad! Durante el mes de noviembre celebraremos los Meetups de usuarios de Zoho, encuentros presenciales pensados para quienes queráis mejorar vuestras estrategias de lead nurturing y aprender a sacar el máximo partido a herramientas como Zoho
                                                                                                          • Introducing 7 New Connectors in Zoho DataPrep!

                                                                                                            We’ve just made data management even easier - Zoho DataPrep now supports 7 new external connectors to help you build more robust, scalable ETL pipelines. Why it matters: ✅ Broader data access ✅ More automation, less manual work ✅ Smarter pipelines, better
                                                                                                          • System flaws and lack of response from Zoho

                                                                                                            I have had to go on here as no-one is replying to my emails regarding my problem (been 10 days and no email reply) and your chat facility online through your Zoho Books software opens and closes immediately, so not functioning properly. I actually called
                                                                                                          • Sales Order, Invoice and Payment numbers

                                                                                                            Hi zoho friends, it is me again, the slow learner. I'm wondering if there is a way to have it so the Sales order, invoice and payment numbers are all the same? It would be easier for me if they were the same number so there is not so many reference numbers
                                                                                                          • Missing information data Zoho inventory

                                                                                                            there some missing data in Zoho inventory connection. pick list stock counts bin location we have requested it via mail and the support team doesn’t gove feedback. has anyone achieve to get these info or to ask other ya les
                                                                                                          • First day of trying FSM in the field.

                                                                                                            What we found. 1. with out a network connection we were unable to start a service call? 2. if you go to an appointment and then want to add an asset it does not seem possible. 3. disappointed not to be able to actually take a payment from within the app
                                                                                                          • Zoho Desk app update: AI powered features

                                                                                                            Hello everyone! We’ve introduced various AI-powered services on the Zoho Desk app. Let's take a look at what's new. Generate Content: Generate Content uses AI to formulate responses based on the your query and provides a ready-to-use reply which can be
                                                                                                          • How to Automate Email Sequence

                                                                                                            I'm having trouble trying to set up a workflow to automate an email sequence. Once a group of emails in a Task has been tagged by a certain tag, I want an instant email template to be sent. After 7 days with no response, another email template would be
                                                                                                          • Turning off the new UI

                                                                                                            Tried the new 'enhanced' UI and actively dislike it. Anyone know how to revert back?
                                                                                                          • Zoho Sprints Android v2.0.4 app update: Item reminders, archive Epics, Kanban projects, Epic progress

                                                                                                            Hello everyone! In the latest version(v2.0.4) of the Zoho Sprints Android app update, we have introduced various new features. Let's take a look at what's new! Item Reminder Stay organized and never miss an important date with the all-new Item Reminder
                                                                                                          • Credit Management: #3 Setting Credit Limit for Customers

                                                                                                            Think about that one familiar customer of yours who always buys on credit. They usually pay on time, maybe a little late here and there, but not alarming. So, you are fine saying, "Sure, pay later." Then, one day, they place a significantly bigger order
                                                                                                          • Canvas View in Zoho Recruit

                                                                                                            Is it possible or would it be possible to have the new 'Canvas View' in Zoho Recruit?
                                                                                                          • Adding Reports to Portals

                                                                                                            Is there a way to add Reports to portals so only the user can see report templates relevant to them?
                                                                                                          • Update on the client portal URL for Guest users

                                                                                                            We’re updating the way Guest users access their Connect network. As part of this change, all client organization portals used by Guest users will now be accessible through a dedicated domain specific to each data center. The access URLs mentioned here
                                                                                                          • Preserve Ticket Issue Mapping When Migrating from Jira to Zoho Projects

                                                                                                            Hello Zoho Projects Team, We hope you are doing well. We are currently exploring a full migration from Jira to Zoho Projects, and we identified a critical limitation during the migration process involving Zoho Desk integration. Current Situation: We use
                                                                                                          • Enhancements to Zoho Maps integration tasks

                                                                                                            Hello everyone, We're excited to announce enhancements to the Zoho Maps integration tasks in Deluge, which will boost its performance. This post will walk you through the upcoming changes, explain why we're making them, and detail the steps you need to
                                                                                                          • Unable to see Zoho contacts in Zoho app on ios

                                                                                                            Hi Support Team, I am a new user, I have created my account and installed zohomail app on iOS 16 which works. I was also able to import my Gmail contacts into Zoho Contacts, which I can see. The problem is that I can’t see these imported cobalts in Zohomail
                                                                                                          • Task Due Date greater than 10 years.

                                                                                                            We use recurring tasks in Projects where every week, month, year etc Some of our projects are greater than 10 years and we are unable to set a new due date because the difference between start date and due date is greater than 10 years. As an example
                                                                                                          • External User onboarding for zoho connect is not really intuitive.

                                                                                                            So the external user is sent an invite, which has a button that directs them to login to zoho to view the invite, but if they don't have a zoho account, they cannot access that invite, which seems kinda silly, as there is not real way on for them to create
                                                                                                          • Enhance Sign CRM integration

                                                                                                            Hello all, I'm working on a custom Deluge script to enhance the integration between Zoho CRM and Sign by using a writer merge template for additional flexibility. I want to replicate the post-sign document integration that exists between CRM and Sign
                                                                                                          • Hosting external websites on Zoho?

                                                                                                            How can I host my external website on zoho? Do we have that option? I am currently with hostinger and am looking to switch to zoho. Kindly help. Thanks.
                                                                                                          • How to Add Time Formula Duration (hh:mm)

                                                                                                            Hi everyone — I’m trying to create a formula field in Zoho CRM that calculates the difference between a “Call Start Time” and “Call End Time” and displays the duration in HH:MM format (for example: 1:04 for one hour and four minutes). My current setup
                                                                                                          • How can I calculate the physical stock available for sale?

                                                                                                            Hey Zoho Team,  I've tried to calculate the physical stock on hand in various ways - but always receive a mismatch between what's displayed in Zoho Inventory & analytics.  Can you please let me know how the physical stock available for sale is calculated?
                                                                                                          • Set Custom Icon for Custom Modules in new Zoho CRM UI

                                                                                                          • Live Webinar: Getting Started with Zoho WorkDrive - A Complete Overview

                                                                                                            Hello everyone, We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming live webinar! Discover how to set up your team, bring in your data, and make the most of WorkDrive’s collaboration, organization, AI, and security capabilities. This session is perfect for anyone
                                                                                                          • Marketing Tip #4: Build your email list early

                                                                                                            Email marketing has one of the highest returns on investment. Don’t wait until later; start collecting subscribers now. When you've got their attention, you can send them emails about offers, new product launches, seasonal greetings, and more. Try this
                                                                                                          • Is anyone else having trouble saving a custom image in their email signature, or is it just me?

                                                                                                            When I try to save the image I get an error that says "Operation Failed" I opened a support ticket two weeks ago and received a response that it would be debugged, but it still isn’t working
                                                                                                          • Unify Overlapping Functionalities Across Zoho Products

                                                                                                            Hi Zoho One Team, We would like to raise a concern about the current overlap of core functionalities across various Zoho applications. While Zoho offers a rich suite of tools, many applications include similar or identical features—such as shift management,
                                                                                                          • Zoho Desk Domain mapping / Cloudflare CNAME not recognized

                                                                                                            Hello, my website is behind Cloudflare and SSL. From the Cloudflare control panel I added a CNAME record such as support.mydomain.com pointing to desk.cs.zohohost.com but I'm stuck with the message "Make sure you've mapped the CNAME entry..."
                                                                                                          • Power of Automation :: Quick way to associate your Projects with Zoho CRM

                                                                                                            A custom function is a software code that can be used to automate a process and this allows you to automate a notification, call a webhook, or perform logic immediately after a workflow rule is triggered. This feature helps to automate complex tasks and
                                                                                                          • Create an Eye-Catching Announcement Widget for Your Help Center

                                                                                                            Hello Everyone! In this week’s edition, let’s explore how to keep your customers updated with exciting news in the Help Center. See how ZylkerMobile wowed their customers by bringing updates right to their portal. ZylkerMobile, the renowned brand for
                                                                                                          • I want to add my other zoho account in same pc

                                                                                                            why does zoho restrict me doing many things as i also want to add my second mail account bit its not allowing me to do that
                                                                                                          • Next Page