Updating User Emails in MixPanel Without Changing Distinct ID

Ali A. · 2024-11-14T08:06:00.593Z

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?

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

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kapa.ai
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Hi Ali A., Please stand by as I search the Mixpanel knowledge base for an AI-powered answer. I normally take about 15 seconds or so. In case AI cannot answer your question, feel free to reach out to Mixpanel support at mixpanel.com/get-support. If you have follow-up questions for this thread, please tag me again with your question: @kapa.ai <follow-up question> 👋
Feel free to ask a follow-up question once I've answered by mentioning me with @kapa.ai
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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kapa.ai
APP
·
·
Hi Ali A., Please stand by as I search the Mixpanel knowledge base for an AI-powered answer. I normally take about 15 seconds or so. In case AI cannot answer your question, feel free to reach out to Mixpanel support at mixpanel.com/get-support. If you have follow-up questions for this thread, please tag me again with your question: @kapa.ai <follow-up question> 👋
Feel free to ask a follow-up question once I've answered by mentioning me with @kapa.ai
kapa.ai
APP
·
·
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.
kapa.ai is still learning and improving, please let me know how I did by reacting below.
ℹ️ Tip: Mention @kapa.ai in the thread for follow-ups or DM the app for 1-to-1 help.