Status property filtering not working with Python Notion API

Other Questions Notion
1

I’m facing a problem when attempting to query my Notion database using status filters. While filtering by other property types works without issues, using the status filter results in validation errors.

Here’s the code I’m working with:

result = client.databases.query(
    database_id=db_id,
    filter={
        "and": [
            {
                "property": calendar_sync_field,
                "checkbox": {
                    "equals": False
                }
            },
            {
                "or": [
                    {
                        "property": due_date_field,
                        "date": {
                            "equals": current_date
                        }
                    },
                    {
                        "property": due_date_field,
                        "date": {
                            "next_week": {}
                        }
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "property": "Status",
                "status": {
                    "equals": "finished"
                }
            }
        ]
    }
)

The error message indicates that the status filter is undefined even though I believe I’m using the correct syntax. In contrast, both checkbox and date filters function perfectly. What might I be missing here?

Update: I was able to fix the issue by upgrading the notion_client from version 0.4.0 to 2.0.0.

2

Check your Notion database property settings too. Status properties sometimes get corrupted during migrations or template imports, which causes weird validation errors even with the right SDK version. I ran into this on a client project - upgrading the Python SDK wasn’t enough. The status property had invisible formatting characters that didn’t show in Notion’s interface but broke API calls. Had to rebuild the entire status column from scratch. Also make sure your status values actually exist in the database. Notion throws confusing errors when you filter for options that got deleted or renamed. Newer SDK versions are more stable but they’re pickier about property validation.

3

Yeah, version compatibility issues with the Notion API are super common. The jump from 0.4.0 to 2.0.0 changed how status properties work internally. Earlier versions had sketchy support for status filtering, which is probably why you’re getting those undefined filter errors. I hit the same thing last year building a project management script. Status properties were pretty new and the SDK was buggy as hell. What saved me was checking the actual property setup in Notion first - sometimes property names or status options have hidden characters or spaces that break validation. Status properties also work differently from select properties in the API, even though they look the same. Always log the exact error response when you’re debugging filters - makes life way easier.

4

Glad you got it working with the upgrade. Notion’s API filtering syntax is all over the place between versions.

I hit the same wall building automated workflows for Notion databases. Got tired of Python SDK updates breaking my code, so I moved everything to Latenode.

It handles API versioning automatically. Just drag and drop Notion nodes, set filters visually, and you’re done. No more hunting through docs wondering if they want “equals” or “equal” this week.

I’ve got workflows filtering status, dates, checkboxes - they keep running when Notion updates. Easy to connect with other services too.

Beats babysitting Python scripts that die every few months.

5

The Problem:

You’re experiencing recurring issues with your Notion API workflows breaking due to changes in the Notion API and the associated Python SDK. Specifically, you’re encountering problems with status filters, date ranges, and checkbox logic, causing your automation scripts to fail after Notion API updates.

:thinking: Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):

Notion’s API undergoes frequent updates, and these updates often introduce breaking changes to the API’s structure and how properties are handled. The Python SDK, used to interact with the Notion API, must be updated to maintain compatibility. However, managing these SDK updates and ensuring your code remains functional across versions can be time-consuming and error-prone. This leads to instability in your automation workflows, requiring constant maintenance and debugging. Relying on direct API interaction via a Python SDK creates a dependency on specific API versions and structures, making your code vulnerable to breaking changes.

:gear: Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Migrate to a Solution with Automated API Version Handling: The most effective solution is to transition from directly using the Python SDK and managing API version compatibility to a platform that inherently handles API versioning. This avoids the need to constantly update and debug your code whenever the Notion API changes. Several products and services offer this functionality, enabling you to build workflows without worrying about breaking changes. Research and choose a platform that provides visual workflow design or a simpler API abstraction that automatically manages API version updates.

  2. (Optional) If sticking with the Python SDK: If you choose to continue using the Python SDK, meticulously track Notion’s API release notes and SDK updates. Implement robust error handling and logging to quickly identify and address issues when they arise. Regularly test your workflows after updates to ensure they continue working as expected. Consider employing techniques like feature flags to allow gradual transitions between different API versions within your codebase to mitigate the risk of abrupt disruptions.

:mag: Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:

  • Ignoring Notion API Release Notes: Stay informed about changes to the Notion API and related SDKs. Subscribe to Notion’s announcements or follow their developer documentation for updates. Proactive monitoring prevents unexpected breakage in your workflows.

  • Insufficient Error Handling: Implement comprehensive error handling within your Python scripts to catch and manage potential exceptions related to API calls. Effective logging will aid in debugging and identifying the source of any issues.

  • Over-reliance on Specific API Structures: Design your workflows to be more adaptable to changes in the API’s structure. Avoid direct dependencies on specific property names or API response formats that might change in future updates.

  • Outdated SDK Versions: Use the latest stable version of the Notion Python SDK. Regularly check for and update the SDK to ensure compatibility with the current API version.

:speech_balloon: Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!

6

Had the same headache a few weeks back! The older SDK versions were totally broken for status filters. Upgrading to 2.0.0 fixed it - they completely rewrote the property filtering system. Pro tip: make sure your status values match exactly what’s in Notion, including any weird capitalization.

7

This was a known bug in earlier Python SDK versions. Hit the same issue about six months back on a database automation project. Version 0.4.0 had broken status property filters - the API would reject queries even with perfect syntax.

What saved me was ditching the SDK temporarily and using the requests library to check raw API responses. Turns out the SDK was the problem, not my filter structure.

Version 2.0.0 fixed everything and added way better error messages. One heads up though - status properties are pickier than select properties. They’re case sensitive and need exact string matches, so make sure your status values match exactly what’s in your Notion setup.

8

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