Why this change is happening
Salesforce is updating how third-party apps like Formstack connect to your Salesforce org. The older connection method (Connected Apps) is being replaced across the Salesforce platform by a newer, more secure standard called External Client Apps (ECA).
To keep your Formstack integration compliant with Salesforce's security requirements — and to keep your forms and data flowing without interruption — your org needs to move to this new connection type. It's a one-time action for a Salesforce administrator, and once it's done, day-to-day form use is exactly the same. There's an added benefit for you too: on the new connection, future Formstack updates can be applied smoothly without requiring you to re-authorize each time.
What to expect
| What you need to do | A one-time migration in Formstack Admin Settings, performed by a Salesforce admin. |
| How long it takes | A couple of minutes. |
| Downtime | None. Your current connection keeps working until the new one is confirmed. |
| After migration | Nothing changes in how you build or use forms. |
Before you begin
- Make sure you're on the latest Formstack package, 4.162.1. If you're on an earlier version, upgrade first. (Upgrading the package alone does not complete the migration — you'll still do the step below.)
- You'll need a Salesforce administrator who can open Formstack Admin Settings.
- Allow pop-ups for your Salesforce domain in your browser — the authorization step opens in a pop-up window.
- The same admin who starts the migration must be the one who completes the approval step.
How to migrate
Step 1 — Find the migration banner
Open Formstack from your Salesforce App Launcher. If your org still needs to migrate, you'll see a banner: Migrate to External Client App. Click Go to Admin Settings (or open Admin Settings directly).
Step 2 — Start the migration
In Admin Settings, click Migrate to External Client App on the banner. Allow the pop-up if your browser prompts you. You may briefly see a message that the migration is finishing — don't close the pop-up while it runs.
Step 3 — Approve access in Salesforce
In the pop-up, sign in as the same Salesforce user who started the migration if you're asked to. On the Allow Access? screen, review the permissions and click Allow.
Step 4 — Wait for confirmation
Salesforce will finish setting up the new connection. When it's done, you'll see a green success message confirming your Formstack connection now uses the External Client App, and the migration banner will disappear.
Step 5 — Confirm it worked
- The Migrate to External Client App banner is gone.
- Your forms load without any authentication errors.
- Submit a test entry on one of your forms and confirm it appears in Salesforce.
Troubleshooting
The banner came back after I clicked Migrate.
The migration may not have finished, or the pop-up was blocked or closed too early. Allow pop-ups for your Salesforce domain, then click Migrate to External Client App again and complete the Allow step — making sure you're signed in as the same user who started it.
I got an error saying a different user needs to authorize.
The approval must be completed by the same Salesforce user who started the migration. Start again from Admin Settings and complete the pop-up as that same user.
I got an error that the app is blocked by an admin.
Your Salesforce admin needs to authorize the Formstack External Client App for your user. If you're not the org admin, ask them to enable it, then retry the migration. If you are the admin and need help with this, contact Formstack Support.
The migration succeeded but my forms still aren't working.
Contact Formstack Support and let us know: that you used Migrate to External Client App (not Reset OAuth token), any error text you saw, and that you've completed the migration. We'll take it from there.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to upgrade the package first?
You need to be on the latest package, 4.162.1, to migrate. Upgrading the package on its own doesn't move your connection — you'll still complete the Migrate to External Client App step in Admin Settings.
Will "Reset OAuth token" migrate me?
No. Reset OAuth token only renews your current connection. Use Migrate to External Client App to move to the new connection type.
Does this change my Primary User?
No, not unless you separately choose to reassign it.
What happens if the migration fails partway through?
Nothing breaks. Your existing connection stays active until the new one is fully confirmed, so there's no interruption to your forms.