Updating User Emails in MixPanel Without Changing Distinct ID | Mixpanel Community

Updating User Emails in MixPanel Without Changing Distinct ID

We are using user email as disticnt id, we are now adding the ability to change email for users. But when a user changes their email, we have to update their email in MixPanel. If I understand correctly, we cannot change the Distinct ID. What can you recommend for this?

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kapa.ai
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kapa.ai
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You're correct that changing the distinct ID in Mixpanel is not recommended, especially when you're using email as the distinct ID. Here are some recommendations based on Mixpanel's best practices: 1. Use a stable identifier: Mixpanel recommends using an ID that is unique to each user and does not change, such as a database ID, instead of an email address. As stated in their documentation, "While using an identifier like email may be more convenient, keep in mind that you cannot merge 2 $user_ids or change a $user_id, so if the user changes their email, they will count as a separate user." Identifying Users (Simplified) FAQ2. Update user properties: Instead of changing the distinct ID, you should update the user's email as a user property. You can do this using Mixpanel's people.set() method. This way, you maintain the same distinct ID for the user while updating their email information. User Profile: Demographic attributes for your users3. Implement a migration strategy: If you're already using email as the distinct ID, you might need to implement a migration strategy. This could involve creating a new project in Mixpanel with proper ID management and gradually transitioning your users to the new system.4. Use Mixpanel's identity management: If you're using Mixpanel's SDKs, you can leverage their identity management features. When a user changes their email, you can call the identify() method with a stable user ID, and then update the email as a user property. Managing User IdentityHere's an example of how you might update a user's email using JavaScript: LBKS// Assuming you're using a stable user ID mixpanel.identify('USER_ID');LBKS// Update the user's email mixpanel.people.set({ '$email': 'new.email@[example.com](http://example.com)' });LBKSRemember, it's crucial to have a consistent and unchanging distinct ID for each user to ensure accurate tracking and analysis in Mixpanel. If you're setting up a new project, consider using a stable identifier from the start to avoid these issues in the future.
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