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What Is user_id in Web2Chat and Why Would I Want to Use It?
What Is user_id in Web2Chat and Why Would I Want to Use It?

Learn when to use 'user_id' in Web2Chat.

Avatar of tanazmasaba06
Written by tanazmasaba06
Last updated Jan 16, 2025
In Web2Chat, user_id is a unique identifier that helps you track and manage your users across multiple devices and sessions. By assigning a user_id to each user, you can create a unified profile that consolidates their activity and interactions, enabling personalized and consistent support experiences.

What Is user_id?

user_id is a unique, developer-defined string or number that serves as the primary identifier for a user in Web2Chat. Unlike temporary identifiers like cookies or session IDs, user_id is consistent across:
  • Different devices or browsers used by the same user.
  • Multiple sessions for the same user.
This consistency ensures that all interactions with a user are linked to the same profile, regardless of where or how they access your platform.

Why Use user_id?

1. Unified User Profiles

By using user_id, you ensure that all interactions—whether on your website, app, or via email—are tied to a single profile. This prevents duplicate profiles and provides a complete view of the user's history.

2. Cross-Device Tracking

When users log in on different devices or browsers, user_id links their activity to the same profile. For example, a user who starts a conversation on their laptop and continues it on their phone will have all messages consolidated into one thread.

3. Personalized Support

Having a single user profile with all relevant data allows your team to provide personalized assistance, reference past interactions, and anticipate the user’s needs.

4. Better Analytics

Using user_id improves reporting and analytics accuracy by ensuring user actions are not fragmented across multiple profiles.

How to Set Up user_id in Web2Chat

1. When Is user_id Assigned?

user_id is typically assigned when a user creates an account or logs into your platform. If you don’t assign a user_id, Web2Chat will automatically generate a temporary identifier for the session.

2. Implementing user_id

To assign a user_id:
  1. Use the Web2Chat SDK or API to set the user_id for logged-in users.
  2. The user_id should be unique and immutable for each user (e.g., the user’s database ID in your system).
Example in JavaScript:
javascript
CopyEdit
Web2Chat('boot', { user_id: '12345', // Replace with your unique user identifier name: 'John Doe', // Optional email: '[email protected]' // Optional });

3. Updating User Data

If you need to update user details (e.g., name or email), you can pass the new data along with the existing user_id. Web2Chat will update the profile accordingly without creating duplicates.

Best Practices for Using user_id

  • Make It Unique: Ensure user_id is a unique, non-changing identifier for each user. Using database IDs or UUIDs is recommended.
  • Assign It Early: Set the user_id as soon as a user logs in or registers to avoid creating multiple profiles.
  • Secure the Data: Avoid using sensitive information like emails or phone numbers as the user_id. Instead, use an internal ID from your system.
  • Handle Anonymous Users: Assign user_id only to logged-in users. For anonymous users, rely on Web2Chat’s temporary identifiers.

FAQs

1. What happens if I don’t set a user_id?

Web2Chat will automatically assign a temporary identifier for the session. However, if the user switches devices or browsers, their profile will not carry over, resulting in fragmented data.

2. Can I update a user_id?

No, user_id is designed to be immutable. If you need to merge profiles or change identifiers, contact Web2Chat support for assistance.

3. How is user_id different from email or name?

While email and name are attributes associated with a user, user_id is the primary identifier that links all data to a single profile. It remains consistent even if a user updates their email or name.

4. Can I use user_id to segment users?

Yes, you can filter and segment users based on their user_id or associated attributes in Web2Chat’s reporting and automation tools.

If you need further assistance, contact our Customer Support.

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