Intercom logo Zendesk logo

Connect Intercom to Zendesk

Technical Integration Guide & Cost Analysis

Integration Status

Intercom offers a native integration with Zendesk. For most standard use cases (basic contact sync, simple order transfer), this built-in connection is sufficient and free.

Data Flow Architecture

Intercom Intercom
→ One-Way
Standard API Latency
Zendesk Zendesk
API Tier
REST API v3
Auth Method
OAuth 2.0
Rate Limits
Standard SaaS Limits

Integration Overview

Connect Intercom customer data to Zendesk tickets for seamless support and sales alignment. Automate customer interactions and eliminate manual data entry.

Primary Use Case

Sync Intercom customer interactions with Zendesk tickets for unified support and sales alignment.

Setup Complexity

medium

Typical Setup Time

20 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect Intercom to Zendesk?

There's no native integration. To connect them, you will need a middleware tool like Make or n8n.

Is the connection between Intercom and Zendesk secure?

Yes. This integration typically uses OAuth 2.0, meaning you grant permission via a secure login window. You do not need to share your raw password, and you can revoke access at any time from your Intercom security settings.

Is the sync one-way or two-way?

This is typically a one-way sync: Intercom → Zendesk. Changes in Zendesk do not sync back to Intercom.

Will existing data in Intercom sync to Zendesk?

Usually, no. Most native integrations are "forward-looking," meaning they only sync data created or updated *after* you activate the connection. To move historical data, you will likely need to perform a one-time CSV export/import manually.

Can I sync custom fields?

Native integration is limited to standard fields. For custom field mapping, use an automation tool.

Can I add approval steps before syncing?

Native integrations can't do this. For workflows that need human review (e.g., "Manager must approve before creating invoice"), use Relay.app.