how can I change the distinct id of existing users? Right now, the distinct id is a user's username, but I want to change it to ULIDs. But I also don't want to duplicate users or lose their historical data.
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Based on the information provided in the knowledge sources, changing the distinct_id of existing users in Mixpanel is a complex process that requires careful consideration. The distinct_id is a fundamental identifier in Mixpanel's identity management system, and changing it for existing users can potentially lead to data inconsistencies or loss if not done correctly.Unfortunately, the knowledge sources don't provide a direct method for changing the distinct_id of existing users from usernames to ULIDs while preserving historical data. However, I can offer some insights and potential approaches based on the available information: 1. Identity Merging: Mixpanel uses an identity merging system to link different identifiers for the same user. Instead of changing the existing distinct_id, you could consider using the $identify event to link the new ULID-based identifier with the existing username-based identifier. This approach is described in the Identifying Users (Original) documentation.2. Server-side Identity Management: If you're using server-side tracking, you have more control over the identifiers. You could implement a mapping between the existing username-based distinct_ids and the new ULIDs in your backend, and use this mapping when sending events to Mixpanel. This approach is outlined in the Server-side Identity Management section.3. Data Transformation: If you have access to your Mixpanel data in a data warehouse, you might be able to perform a transformation to update the distinct_ids. This is hinted at in the Project Migration guide, although it doesn't specifically address changing distinct_ids.It's important to note that changing distinct_ids for existing users is a significant operation that could potentially affect your historical data and user identity resolution. Before proceeding with any changes, I strongly recommend reaching out to Mixpanel's support team for guidance specific to your use case. They may be able to provide a more tailored solution or advise on best practices for your specific situation.
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