Newer Version Available

This content describes an older version of this product. View Latest

Configure the Data Loader to Use the Bulk API

Available in: Salesforce Classic (not available in all orgs) and Lightning Experience
Available in: Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, Developer, and Database.com Editions

The Bulk API is optimized to load or delete a large number of records asynchronously. It is faster than the SOAP-based API due to parallel processing and fewer network round-trips. By default, Data Loader uses the SOAP-based API to process records.

To configure Data Loader to use the Bulk API for inserting, updating, upserting, deleting, and hard deleting records:

  1. Open the Data Loader.
  2. Choose Settings | Settings.
  3. Select the Use Bulk API option.
  4. Click OK.
  • You can also select the Enable serial mode for Bulk API option. Processing in parallel can cause database contention. When contention is severe, the load can fail. Serial mode processes batches one at a time, however it can increase the processing time for a load.
  • Caution: You can hard delete records when you configure Data Loader to Use Bulk API. Keep in mind that hard deleted records are immediately deleted and can’t be recovered from the Recycle Bin.

Note