> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://messagebird.gitbook.io/applications/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://messagebird.gitbook.io/applications/journeys/journeys/how-to/use-an-update-contact-step-in-a-journey.md).
# Use an update contact step in a journey
Automatically refresh contact attributes to personalize each customer’s path.
In this article, you'll learn how to add an **update contact step** to a journey. This allows you to automatically update contact attributes as a contact moves through the journey.
{% hint style="info" %}
### Good to know
* You can only update the contact attributes for existing contacts.
* You can update multiple attributes with the same **update contact step**.
* It's best practice to use the **update contact step** at the end of a journey. This reduces the number of steps that you need to use, and makes it easier to keep the journey clean.
{% endhint %}
### What you'll need
* A journey with a trigger
* A contact with attributes
### Step one: Add an update contact step to a journey
1. In the journey builder, drag the **Update Contact action** from the right-hand panel and **drop it** where you want it to appear in the flow.\
You’ll see a blue plus icon or a grey drop area showing valid placement spots.
### Step two: Configure the update contact step
1. Click **Add +.**
2. Select the contact attribute that you want to be updated. For example, you might want to update a custom attribute called ‘note’ about this contact.
3. Configure the update that you want to make to the selected attribute.
4. \[Optional] Layer additional contact attribute changes by clicking the **Add +** button and repeating steps 2-3.
5. Click **Save**.
If you want to delete an update contact condition, click the **Delete** icon next to the step configuration.
{% hint style="success" %}
Success! You've just added an update contact step.
{% endhint %}
### FAQs
#### Can I update attributes from an external system?
Yes, you can update contact attributes that are synced from an external system via a connector in a journey.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://messagebird.gitbook.io/applications/journeys/journeys/how-to/use-an-update-contact-step-in-a-journey.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
