Mass update record types with Data Loader

To bulk update record types, you must first prepare a CSV file with record IDs and the target RecordTypeID, then use Data Loader's Update operation to apply the changes. Note that changes are irreversible — always test with 2–3 records first.

To bulk update record types using the Data Loader

Step 1. Prepare your CSV File

First, identify the specific IDs of the records that you wish to update. There are two ways to do this:

• Run an export with the Data Loader to extract the IDs for the records you wish to update. You can add conditions to your query to select records that meet your criteria. Make sure to select 'ID' and 'RecordTypeID' in your field selection. Choose a Target for extraction (The location where .csv file should be saved). Then, click on Finish.
• Alternatively, you can run a report in Salesforce that retrieves the records you wish to update. Be sure to include the record ID in your report. Export the report as a .csv file.

Step 2. Prepare your data

Navigate to the record type that you wish to apply to your records. 

• Setup | Customize | Select the object in question | Record Types | Record Type name

To locate Record Types in Lightning Experience

• Gear icon | Setup | Object Manager | Select the object in question | Record Types | Record Type name  

Step 3. Update the data with the Apex Data Loader

1. Once you are at the appropriate record type, copy the ID that appears at the end of the URL after the equal ( = ) sign. For example, a sample URL could be:

https://na1.salesforce.com/setup/ui/recordtypefields.jsp?type=Lead&setupid=LeadRecords&id=012300000000MWm
 

2. Open the .csv extract from the earlier step in Excel.

• If your extract was generated by running a Data Loader Export, replace the existing RecordTypeIDs with the one just copied.
• If your extract was from a Salesforce report, create a new column called 'RecordTypeID' and populate all the rows in this column with the 'RecordTypeID' just copied.

3. Save the .csv file.
4. Next, run an Update using Data Loader. When prompted, load the .csv file from the previous step. Choose Create or Edit a Map when prompted. Drag the 'ID' and 'RecordTypeID' fields from the top section to the corresponding fields in the bottom section. For more information, please review Define Data Loader Field Mappings.
5. Select a directory to where the error and success files will be saved.
6. Click on Finish and the mass update is complete.
7. Check your records in Salesforce to confirm that the change has been made.