Zoho CRM APIs: The Ultimate Guide

Zoho CRM APIs: The Ultimate Guide

Zoho CRM offers API (Application Programming Interface) that allows you to integrate CRM with third-party applications such as accounting, e-commerce, self-service portals, etc. At the time when you work with the Zoho CRM API, you must ensure that you are using the latest version of the API.

With API versioning, you can create new API endpoints while adding functionality to them which also makes sure that the API is easily accessible to all the third-party applications and integrations for continuous usage.

Zoho CRM’s API allows you to fetch important CRM data from the Zoho CRM account. You can get your records, add them or remove them, search and even update your records. The Zoho CRM comes with many modules including contacts, potentials, campaigns, tasks, events, cases, solutions, price books, vendors, purchase orders, sales orders, invoices, etc.

Zoho CRM Rest APIs:

Zoho CRM comes with standard modules including Accounts, Leads, Deals, Forecasts, Activities, Contacts, and so on. With the use of Zoho CRM Rest API, you can easily retrieve the list of all the available modules from the Get List of Modules API.
  1. You can easily refer to the API in the JSON data at the time you access the resource. Each field, module, and related list is going to have an API name which you can use easily in the third-party integrations. For instance, if you wish to access the module titled Leads then you can use “Leads” which can be the api_name each time you access the resource. The Zoho CRM can easily generate API names while also creating custom modules, custom fields, and related list labels. You cannot change the API Names for any default modules including fields and related lists. Instead, you can easily change API names for custom modules, related lists, and fields.
  2. The formed API name only contains numbers, alphabets, and even underscores. The API name must start with an alphabet and must not have two consecutive underscores or end with an underscore.
  3. You must refer to Response Structure for details about JSON keys, descriptions, and values of the available modules. You can use the sample response of every module as the input when you insert, update, and upsert a record in the corresponding module.

Bulk Read API:

The Bulk Read API enables you to fetch a large set of data. The API is extremely useful when you need to export a large amount of data or even take a backup of data without creating a big impact on the API limits.

This is usually an asynchronous API which means that the response to the request is not usually available instantly. You are going to be notified of the callback URL whenever the data is ready to be downloaded and you can also choose the job status periodically.

  1. The first step is to create a POST API call by providing the module, a list of fields to be exported along with criteria that can be used for filtering records. This will help in creating an asynchronous job and it will also return a unique identifier which can be the reference of a request.
  2. In case you need the system to notify you automatically on the job completion then you can also offer the callback URL when you create a bulk read job. Otherwise, you can also choose to check the status of this job at periodic intervals by using a GET API call using the Job ID.
  3. After the job is completed, the download_url can be available in the result attribute of the response of API. You can also download the result of the job by calling download_url. This is how a zip file will get downloaded which will also contain the CSV or ICS file in it.

Notification API:

The notification APIs enable you to get instant notifications anytime an action is performed on the module records. The system easily notifies you about the event on the URL that is provided. It is also easy to allow notifications on the basis of operations such as create, update, and delete.

For instance, let us think that a user wishes to get notified about the create operation that can be performed on a specific module. Anytime a contact gets created in the Zoho CRM, the system will be notifying the user to notify the URL.

You can also create a unique ID for each module for ensuring that the notification is coming from a particular channel. This can be done by setting the expiry time for instant notifications for all channels. Moreover, there is also an option to disable the notifications anytime.

The notification APIs enable you to enable notifications, get notification details, update notification details, update specific information of a notification, disable notifications, and also disable specific notifications.

Query API:

Another API used for custom applications is called the CRM Object Query Language which is based on the SQL syntax. It allows the users to write queries for getting records from Zoho CRM and use field API names instead of column names and module API names rather than table names.

This API can be used for filtering and fetching records on the basis of some factors instead of creating custom views and passing the Custom View ID as a parameter in the request. With the use of this API, you can easily retrieve over 200 records.

  1. COQL supports just the SELECT query with some clauses such as WHERE, ORDER, FROM, BY, LIMIT, AND OFFSET.
  2. COQL keywords must not be case-sensitive. SELECT can be the same as select.
  3. The system sorts the record in ascending order on the basis of record ID in case the order is not included in the query.
  4. The default value for LIMIT can be 200 and the OFFSET value can be 0.

Conclusion:

Zoho CRM API allows developers to build custom applications for managing enterprise operations. They offer easy integration of Zoho CRM in almost all platforms that a business uses and you never have to worry about the development or IT challenges stressing your operations.
The developer platform offers low code development along with microservices for professional code for automation, enterprise-wide data integration and the formation of custom web and mobile solutions.
 

    • Recent Topics

    • How to show branch instead of org name on invoice template?

      Not sure why invoices are showing the org name not the branch name? I can insert the branch name using the ${ORGANIZATION.BRANCHNAME} placeholder, but then it isn't bold text anymore. Any other ideas?

    • Admin asked me for Backend Details when I wanted to verify my ZeptoMail Account

      Please provide the backend details where you will be adding the SMTP/API information of ZeptoMail Who knows what this means?

    • Unable to remove the “Automatically Assigned” territory from existing records

      Hello Zoho Community Team, We are currently using Territory Management in Zoho CRM and have encountered an issue with automatically assigned territories on Account records. Once any account is created the territory is assigned automatically, the Automatically

    • Kaizen #223 - File Manager in CRM Widget Using ZRC Methods

      Hello, CRM Wizards! Here is what we are improving this week with Kaizen. we will explore the new ZRC (Zoho Request Client) introduced in Widget SDK v1.5, and learn how to use it to build a Related List Widget that integrates with Zoho WorkDrive. It helps

    • Set connection link name from variable in invokeurl

      Hi, guys. How to set in parameter "connection" a variable, instead of a string. connectionLinkName = manager.get('connectionLinkName').toString(); response = invokeurl [ url :"https://www.googleapis.com/calendar/v3/freeBusy" type :POST parameters:requestParams.toString()

    • Possible to connect Zoho CRM's Sandbox with Zoho Creator's Sandbox?

      We are making some big changes on our CRM so we are testing it out in CRM's Sandbox. We also have a Zoho Creator app that we need to test. Is it possible to connect Zoho CRM's Sandbox to Zoho Creator's Sandbox so that I can perform those tests?

    • I Need Help Verifying Ownership of My Zoho Help Desk on Google Search Console

      I added my Zoho desk portal to Google Search Console, but since i do not have access to the html code of my theme, i could not verify ownership of my portal on Google search console. I want you to help me place the html code given to me from Google search

    • Timeline Tracker

      Hi Team, I am currently using Zoho Creator – Blueprint Workflows, and I would like to know if there is a way to track a timeline of the approval process within a Blueprint. Specifically, I am looking for details such as: Who submitted the record Who clicked

    • Primary / Other Billing Contacts

      If you add an additional contact to a Zoho Billing Customer record, and then mark this new contact as the primary contact, will both the new primary and old primary still receive notifications? Can you stop notifications from going to the additional contacts

    • Missing Import Options

      Hello, do I miss something or is there no space import option inside of this application? In ClickUp, you can import from every common application. We don't want to go through every page and export them one by one. That wastes time. We want to centralize

    • CRM x WorkDrive: File storage for new CRM signups is now powered by WorkDrive

      Availability Editions: All DCs: All Release plan: Released for new signups in all DCs. It will be enabled for existing users in a phased manner in the upcoming months. Help documentation: Documents in Zoho CRM Manage folders in Documents tab Manage files

    • Is it possible to enforce a single default task for all users in a Zoho Projects ?

      In Zoho Projects, the Tasks module provides multiple views, including List, Gantt, and Kanban. Additionally, users can create and switch to their own custom views. During project review meetings, this flexibility creates confusion because different users

    • [Free Webinar] Zoho Creator webinars - Learning Table and Creator Tech Connect Series in 2026

      Hello everyone, Wishing you all a wonderful new year! May 2026 and the years ahead bring more opportunities, growth, and learning your way 🙂 We’re excited to kick off the 2026 edition of the Learning Table Series and Creator Tech Connect Series ! Learning

    • Reply and react to comments

      Hi everyone! We're excited to bring to you a couple of new features that'll make your sprint process simpler. A cloud application brings with it an array of social media features that can be efficiently used in your organizational setup. As an agile scrum

    • Restrict Users access to login into CRM?

      I’m wanting my employees to be able to utilize the Zoho CRM Lookup field within Zoho Forms. For them to use lookup field in Zoho Forms it is my understanding that they need to be licensed for Forms and the CRM. However, I don’t want them to be able to

    • Module Customisation - Lookup function not available

      Good evening, Within my business, I can have multiple customers, who have multiple mobile assets. When I set these assets up, I enter information such as vehicle registration, Vehicle identification number (VIN), Unit number, YOM, in addition to others.

    • zoho click, and nord VPN

      Unfortunately, we've been having problems with Zoho Click, where essentially the line cuts off after about a minute's worth of conversation every time we are on VPN. Is there a way we can change this within the settings so it does not cut the line off

    • Zoho Calender

      a) does the clanender in zoho project allow you to see the name of the event in the celnder view, it currently says either "Task (1) or "Milestoen (1)" b) Alternatively does the calender in Zoho project integrate with zoho calender?

    • Matching ZOHO Payments in Banking

      Our company has recently integrated ZOHO Payments into our system. This seemed really convenient at first because our customers could pay their account balance by clicking on a link imbedded in the emailed invoice. Unfortunately, we can't figure out how

    • Team Gamification

      Would love to motivate, engage and encourage our team with our social media posts. Would like to include Gamification features of Social Media in Zoho Social or Marketing Automation. And also bring in Social Advocacy tools/tracking/management to these,

    • Power up your Kiosk Studio with Real-Time Data Capture, Client Scripts & More!

      Hello Everyone, We’re thrilled to announce a powerful set of enhancements to Kiosk Studio in Zoho CRM. These new updates give you more flexibility, faster record handling, and real-time data capture, making your Kiosk flows smarter and more efficient

    • New Enhancements to Zoho CRM and Zoho Creator Integration

      Hello Everyone, We’ve rolled out enhancements to the Zoho Creator and Zoho CRM integration to align with recent updates made to the Zoho Creator platform. With enhancements to both the UI and functionality, This update also tightens access control by

    • Work Type - Limitation

      Hello, I'm setting up work types and have noticed, a limitation on the parts area to 10 lines. Can this be increased to 20 or greater? In addition to this, when I attempt to add the work type to a work order, the correct labour hours doesn't flow through.

    • Emails sent through Bigin are not posting in IMAP Sent folder

      I have set up my email to work from within Bigin using IMAP.  I am using IMAP so I can sync my email across multiple devices - phone / laptop / desktop / iPad / etc.  I want all my emails to populate my email client (outlook & iphone email) whether or

    • Turning the page for Zoho SalesIQ: 2025 to 2026

      As we wrap up 2025, we would like to take a moment to reflect on what we set out to achieve this year, what we’ve delivered, and where we’re headed next. What we focused on in 2025 This year was all about strengthening the core of engagement and AI, making

    • Stage-probability mapping feature in custom module

      Hi, I'm building a custom module for manage projects. I would like to implement the stage-probability feature that Potentials has. Is this possible?

    • Temporary Outage in Zoho Cliq Affecting US Users – July 23, 2025

      We experienced a service disruption in Zoho Cliq that impacted core functionality for users in the US region. The issue occurred between Jul 23, 2025, 06:54:00 PM IST and 07:13:13 PM IST, lasting approximately 19 minutes. To restore service stability,

    • Why Sharing Rules do Not support relative date comparison???

      I am creating a Sharing Rule and simply want to share where "Last Day of Coverage" (Date field) is Greater than TODAY (Starting Tomorrow). However, sharing rules don't have the option to compare a date field to a relative date (like today), only to Static

    • Zoho Cliq not working on airplanes

      Hi, My team and I have been having this constant issue of cliq not working when connected to an airplane's wifi. Is there a reason for this? We have tried on different Airlines and it doesn't work on any of them. We need assistance here since we are constantly

    • Problem with Workdrive folders

      I'm having a problem a problem accessing files in a Zoho work drive folder when using the Zoho writer app. The problem folder appears grayed out in the Zoho work drive window in both the online and writer application. However I can open the folder in

    • Multi-currency and Products

      One of the main reasons I have gone down the Zoho route is because I need multi-currency support.  However, I find that products can only be priced in the home currency, We sell to the US and UK.  However, we maintain different price lists for each. 

    • 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

    • Send Whatsapp with API including custom placeholders

      Is is possible to initiate a session on whatsapp IM channel with a template that includes params (placeholders) that are passed on the API call? This is very usefull to send a Utility message for a transactional notification including an order number

    • Customer Management: #6 Common Mistakes in Customer Handling

      Managing customers doesn't usually fall apart overnight. More often, slight gaps in the process slowly become bigger problems. Incidents like missed follow-ups, billing confusion, and unhappy customers will lead to revenue loss. Many businesses don't

    • Zoho Desk iOS app update: UI enhancement of picklist and multi picklist fields

      Hello everyone! We have enhanced the UI of the picklist and multiselect picklist fields on the Zoho Desk iOS app to provide a more refined, efficient, and user-friendly experience. We have now supported an option to Search within the picklist and multiselect

    • Zoho Desk iOS app update: Revamped scribbles with Apple pencil kit

      Hello everyone! We’re excited to introduce a revamped Scribble experience, rebuilt from the ground up using Apple PencilKit for smooth strokes, proper scaling, and seamless image uploads. Please update the app to the latest version directly from the App

    • Zoho Desk Android app update: Norwegian language support

      Hello everyone! In the most recent Android version of the Zoho Desk app update, we have brought in support to access the app in Norwegian language. We have introduced the Norwegian language on the IM module of the Zoho Desk app as well. Please update

    • Field Description is very small

      Hello, The field Description in the activity is very small. Why don't try open a new window, or a bigger popup, or increase the width of the "popup".  Example:

    • Function #53: Transaction Level Profitability for Invoices

      Hello everyone, and welcome back to our series! We have previously provided custom functions for calculating the profitability of a quote and a sales order. There may be instances where the invoice may differ from its corresponding quote or sales order.

    • Payment Vouchers

      Is there any Payment Vouchers in Zoho? How can we create payment for non-trade vendors, i.e. professional fees, rent, and payment to commissioner income tax?

    • Next Page