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Using CRM ID to Track Users Without Email Access

Avatar of Sebastian P.Sebastian P.
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I have a primary identifier as email, but sometimes I don't have access to the email, only a CRM id. Cam I pass the CRM id as well so that I can track users across devices

5 comments

  • Avatar of kapa.ai
    kapa.ai
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    Hi Sebastian P., 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> đź‘‹

    Feel free to ask a follow-up question once I've answered by mentioning me with @kapa.ai

  • Avatar of kapa.ai
    kapa.ai
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    Based on the knowledge sources, Mixpanel's identity management capabilities vary depending on which ID management system you're using. Let me explain your options: If you're using Simplified ID Merge (Mixpanel's newer system), you can only have one User ID ($user_id) per ID cluster, which serves as the canonical Distinct ID. This system doesn't support multiple User IDs per user.As noted in the documentation: "Simplified ID Merge supports only one User ID ($user_id) per ID cluster... If you need an ID management solution that supports multiple User IDs per user, such as both an email address and a phone number, it's recommended to remain on Legacy ID Management or Original ID Merge." Migrating to Simplified ID Merge SystemIf you're using Original ID Merge, you have more flexibility. You can use the $merge event to merge any two identifiers together. This would allow you to link your email identifier with your CRM ID: LBKS{ "event": "$merge", "properties": { "$distinct_ids": [ "email@​[example.com](http://example.com)", "crm_id_12345" ] } }LBKSThis event can only be processed when sent via the /import API directly, not through SDK methods. Identifying Users (Original)Alternatively, you could consider: 1. Using a consistent ID strategy where you always use one type of ID (like your CRM ID) as the primary identifier 2. Storing the email as a user property that you can query on, rather than using it as an identifierRemember that with any ID management approach, it's best to use an ID that is unique to each user and doesn't change. As Mixpanel notes: "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) FAQ

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  • Avatar of Sebastian P.
    Sebastian P.
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    How do I use the simplified id merge kapa.ai

  • Avatar of kapa.ai
    kapa.ai
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    Let me check the knowledge base for you again. One moment! đź“š

  • Avatar of kapa.ai
    kapa.ai
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    Based on your previous question about tracking users with multiple identifiers, I'll explain how to use Simplified ID Merge in Mixpanel.

    Using Simplified ID Merge

    The Simplified ID Merge API uses the $device_id and $user_id event properties to determine the distinct_id for your events. Here's how to implement it:

    1. Check Your Project Settings

    First, verify that your project is using Simplified ID Merge by checking your project settings. For new organizations created after April 2024, Simplified ID Merge is the default.

    2. Client-side Implementation

    If you're using Mixpanel's Web/Mobile SDKs, the implementation is straightforward: 1. Call .identify(<user_id> ) when a user signs up or logs in. Pass in your chosen identifier (like your CRM ID). 2. Call .reset() when a user logs out.Under the hood, Mixpanel's SDKs automatically generate a $device_id for anonymous users and attach it to all events. When you call .identify(), both the $device_id and $user_id are included in events, triggering the identity merge. Identifying Users (Simplified)

    3. Server-side Implementation

    For server-side tracking, you need to: 1. Include $device_id property on events for anonymous users 2. Include both $device_id and $user_id properties when the user is identifiedExample for anonymous event: LBKS{ "event": "View Anonymous Page", "properties": { "token": "YOUR_PROJECT_TOKEN", "$device_id": "anonymous111" } }LBKSExample for identified user event: LBKS{ "event": "Sign Up", "properties": { "token": "YOUR_PROJECT_TOKEN", "$device_id": "anonymous111", "$user_id": "your_crm_id" } }LBKSA single event containing both $device_id and $user_id is enough to trigger identity merging. Migrating to Simplified ID Merge

    Important Notes

    - With Simplified ID Merge, you can only have one $user_id per identity cluster (as we discussed in your previous question) - The $user_id will always be set as the distinct_id for the user - There's no limit on the number of $device_ids that can be merged into a single $user_id - Identity merging may take up to 24 hours to fully propagate across all Mixpanel reportsRemember to use a consistent identifier that doesn't change (like your CRM ID) as the $user_id rather than an email which might change over time.

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