In this Salesforce Tutorial, we will learn how to replace the picklist value in Salesforce. In addition, we’ll look at how Salesforce Lightning and Salesforce Classic replace the picklist value in existing records.
While working in an organization that uses the Salesforce CRM tool, I was asked to update the picklist values with more accurate values. As a result, I made the decision to replace the picklist value.
So, If you want to learn how I replace the picklist values for data cleanup and regular updates in both Salesforce Lightning and Salesforce Classic components, you have come to the right place.
What does replace the picklist value mean
In Salesforce, replacing the picklist value means changing an existing picklist option with a new one. To replace the old value with the new value, the picklist field’s metadata must be updated.
By doing this, it is made sure that any records or data points still referencing the previous picklist value are changed to reflect the new value.
In addition, it’s crucial to take into account that replacing the value influence the current data as well as any automation or business processes that depend on the picklist value when changing a picklist value.
Moreover, we can maintain our picklist options updated and in sync with our changing business needs and data standards by changing a picklist value. It also helps in maintaining data integrity.
With this, we have understood what replacing the picklist value means in Salesforce. Now, we will proceed and learn to replace the picklist value in Salesforce Lightning.
How to replace the picklist value in Salesforce Lightning
Here, are the steps to replace the picklist value in Salesforce Lightning.
Step 1: First log in to the Salesforce account and select “Setup” from the menu in the top right corner of the page.

Step 2: From the setup menu, click on the “Object Manager” option.

Step 3: It will redirect you to the object manager page, now search for the object you want to replace the picklist value and click on it. So, here I click on the “Lead” object.

Step 4: Click on the “Fields & Relationships” option left side menu on the screen.
Step 5: Now, search for the picklist field to whom you want to replace the value. Here, I select the “Lead Source” field.

Step 6: On success, it will redirect us to the picklist detail page. Now, scroll down to the “Account/Lead Source Picklist Values” section.
Step 7: To replace the picklist value, click on the “Replace” button.

Step 8: Fill up the “Exact Value Changing From” field with the picklist value that you want to replace. Make sure, the picklist value must be in saved in your picklist value list. In this case, I set the “Phone Inquiry” as the exact value changing from.
Step 9: From the dropdown “Select Value Changing To” field, select the picklist value with whom you want to replace. In this case, I set the “Social Media” as the select value changing to.
Step 10: To save the changes, click on the “Replace” button.

Step 11: To check that the whether the picklist values have been replaced correctly, navigate to the item whose picklist values have been modified and check.


With this, we have successfully learned to replace the picklist value in Salesforce Lightning Component. Now, we will proceed and learn to replace the picklist value in Salesforce Classic.
How to replace the picklist value in Salesforce Classic
Here, are the steps to replace the picklist value in Salesforce Classic.
Step 1: We must first sign in to Salesforce Classic. To do this, click on “Avatar” and select “Switch to Salesforce Classic”.

Step 2: Then, select “Setup” from the menu.

Step 3: Scroll down to the “Build” section. Select the object for which we want to replace the picklist value under “Customize”. In this case, I select the “Products” object.
Step 4: Find the field from the chosen object, and select the “Fields” option.

Step 5: Aftering finding the picklist field you wish to replace and click on it. I select “Payment Method” here.

Step 6: Now, scroll down to the “Values” section on the picklist detail page.
Step 7: To replace the value, click on the “Replace” option.

Step 8: The picklist value you want to replace should be entered in the “Exact Value Changing From” field. Be sure to save the picklist value in your picklist value list. In this case, I set the “Wire Transfer” as the exact value changing from.
Step 9: Choose the picklist value you wish to replace it with from the dropdown list in the “Select Value Changing To”. In this case, I set the “Credit Card” as the select value changing to.
Step 10: Click the “Replace” button to keep the changes.

Step 11: To check that the whether the picklist values have been replaced correctly, navigate to the item whose picklist values have been modified and check.


With this, we have successfully learned to replace the picklist value in Salesforce Classic Component.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing a picklist value in Salesforce entails changing the metadata for the picklist field to delete the old value and add a new value in its place.
Moreover, we can replace the picklist value in Salesforce Lightning as well as Salesforce Classic in a few simple steps if you follow the straightforward techniques outlined above.
You may also like to read the following articles:
- How to Sort Picklist Values into Alphabetical Order in Salesforce
- How to Rearrange the Picklist Values in Salesforce
- How to rename the picklist value in Salesforce
I am Bijay Kumar, the founder of SalesforceFAQs.com. Having over 10 years of experience working in salesforce technologies for clients across the world (Canada, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, etc.). I am a certified salesforce administrator and expert with experience in developing salesforce applications and projects. My goal is to make it easy for people to learn and use salesforce technologies by providing simple and easy-to-understand solutions. Check out the complete profile on About us.