Update an embedded data in a second survey

Not sure how is your first survey and second survey associated with one another.

However, you can use Update XM Directory Contacts Task in your second survey’s workflow to update the values of embedded data within a contact list.

​@Gilles , just to add greater detail to what ​@Chee Heng_SZ mentioned regarding using the Update Directory Task

Yes, absolutely. You can pass and update values between Survey 1 and Survey 2 by using the XM Directory as the central place to store the respondent information.

The key point is that Survey 2 does not directly communicate with Survey 1 or "listen" for updates. Instead, the process works by updating the contact record after Survey 1 is completed. When the same contact is invited to Survey 2, it can pull the latest values from that contact record.

Flow Chart for reference:

A typical setup would look like this:

1. Capture the data in Survey 1

• Survey 1 is distributed through an XM Directory mailing list (Email, SMS, Personal Link, etc.).
• When the respondent completes the survey, the required value (for example, Department) is captured from a question response, authenticator, or survey logic.

2. Update the XM Directory contact record

• Create a workflow in Survey 1 triggered after a response is submitted.
• Use the Update XM Directory Contact task to map the captured value back to the respondent's contact record.
• This stores the value as contact-level embedded data.

3. Use the updated value in Survey 2

• Distribute Survey 2 to the same XM Directory contacts.
• In Survey 2, add the embedded data field (for example, Department) at the top of the Survey Flow.
• The latest value stored in the contact record will then be available for display logic, branching, reporting, or other survey logic.

So the XM Directory acts as the bridge between the two surveys, rather than the surveys being directly connected.

One thing to keep in mind: this approach requires both surveys to be associated with the same contact record in XM Directory so Qualtrics knows which respondent's data needs to be updated and retrieved.