ChatGPT (OpenAI) error: Required field "User Message" (user_message) is missing
Written by Owner
Updated at August 20th, 2025
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Table of Contents
Symptoms
When using the ChatGPT (OpenAI) Conversation action, you see the error message, "Required field "User Message" (user_message) is missing". You will see this error in Zap history after your Zap runs.
Causes
This happens when a mapped field in the User Message field does not contain a value.
How to fix it
To fix the issue:
- Ensure data is always sent to the currently mapped field, or replace the mapped field with one that consistently provides a value.
- If you cannot change the current mapped field, you can either:
- Set a default value as a fallback whenever your mapped field does not send data.
- Add conditional logic using a filter or branching logic with paths to your Zap. This will allow you to set what the Zap should do if your mapped value contains no value.