topic Re: Bi-directional Sync with Airtable in Marketing Integrations

Bi-directional Sync with Airtable

SB144 — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:17:18 GMT

I am trying to set up a bi-directional sync with Airtable and when I get to the setup stage "Choose data to sink" the drop down for "Choose Airtable default primary Email Field" is shaded and does not allow me to choose an option and thus does not let me click "done" and move to the next steps.

Re: Bi-directional Sync with Airtable

kvlschaefer — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:29:33 GMT

Hi @SB144,

Thanks for reaching out to the Community!

When a field is grayed out it usually means the AirTable wasn't set up correctly or something is missing

It looks like it would be something that needs to be set up on the Airtable side of things while taking a look at their support document here - https://support.airtable.com/docs/en/supported-field-types-in-airtable-overview.

I would recommend ensuring that the Primary Email Field is configured properly in AirTable.

If you continue seeing this error after configuring it in AirTable, I would recommend connecting with HubSpot Technical Support, as Support is included in your subscription and they will be able to provide real-time assistance for this matter, where you are able to share screenshots and further information about this.

Thank you,

Kristen

Re: Bi-directional Sync with Airtable

SB144 — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:30:27 GMT

Thank you! I figured that out just after posting this question.

I had to go to my Airtable list and change the column type where I had my emails under.

Re: Bi-directional Sync with Airtable

kvlschaefer — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:56:42 GMT

Hi @SB144,

You're very welcome 🙂

Glad to hear you were able to figure it out on your end, and thank you for sharing how you solved this!

Cheers,

Kristen

Re: Bi-directional Sync with Airtable

JGoldbergUnito — Thu, 09 May 2024 18:42:59 GMT

Hey - late to the party, but I just wrote an article on how to set up 2-way sync between Airtable and Hubspot!

Re: Bi-directional Sync with Airtable

RubenBurdin — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:11:19 GMT

Hi @SB144

That shaded dropdown happens when HubSpot can’t detect a valid email field in Airtable.

The sync needs a primary email field that’s properly typed as “Email” in Airtable, not just a text column. If the column is set to plain text, HubSpot won’t let you map it, and the “Done” button stays disabled.

You can fix it by opening your Airtable base, switching the column type of your email field to “Email,” then refreshing the sync setup in HubSpot. HubSpot explains how sync field mappings work here:

(https://knowledge.hubspot.com/integrations/connect-and-use-hubspot-data-sync )

One small check: are you using a single primary email field, or do you have multiple columns with email values? HubSpot will only allow one to serve as the unique identifier for contacts, so duplicates or extra email-type fields can block the setup.

Once Airtable recognizes the column correctly, the option in HubSpot unlocks and you can finish the sync setup. Glad you already found that changing the column type resolved it, sharing that back here will save others the same headache. If keeping HubSpot and your Airtable in step is the real blocker, Stacksync keeps both sides aligned in near real time so you don’t chase fixes later.