Restart or Reset an Auto-Number Field

Auto-number fields do not have a direct “reset” button. Instead, resetting is achieved by either temporarily changing the field type (for custom fields) or updating the next number value (for standard fields). The method depends on the field type and where it is configured.

Custom Auto-Number Fields (Lightning & Classic)

To reset a custom auto-number field:

1. Go to Setup
2. Navigate to:
   • Object Manager → Select Object → Fields & Relationships
3. Select the auto-number field and click Edit
4. Click Change Field Type
5. Change the data type to Text
6. Save (this converts existing values to text)
7. Repeat the steps and change the field type back to Auto-Number
8. Set the desired:
   • Display Format
   • Starting Number
9. Save

Note:

• The new numbering applies only to new records
• Existing records remain unchanged

Standard Auto-Number Fields (Salesforce Classic Only)

To update standard auto-number fields:

1. Go to Setup → Customize → [Object] → Fields
2. Click Edit next to the auto-number field
3. Update:
   • Display Format
   • Next Number
4. Click Save
5. Confirm the warning message

Notes:

• This option is available only in Salesforce Classic
• Some standard fields (for example, Order Product Number) cannot be modified

Important Considerations

• Resetting may lead to duplicate values
• Managed package fields cannot be modified
• Auto-number fields automatically expand if the sequence exceeds defined digits