Editing Remove duplicate contacts

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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Automations]] > Remove duplicate contacts

= How to Remove Duplicate Contacts in an Automation =

== Introduction ==
Removing duplicate contacts from your automation in ActiveCampaign is crucial for maintaining a clean and organized database. When multiple entries for the same contact exist, it can lead to confusion and ineffective marketing efforts. This feature allows users to identify and eliminate duplicates, ensuring that each contact is unique within the automation context. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to tag these contacts during the removal process for better tracking and future management.

== How to Access This Feature ==
To access the feature for removing duplicate contacts, you'll need to navigate to the automation that contains these duplicates. This can be done through the Automations section of your ActiveCampaign account. 

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
Follow these steps to efficiently remove duplicate contacts from your automation:

1. **Open the Automation**
   Begin by opening the automation where you suspect duplicate contacts are present.

2. **Check the Contact Queue**
   Scroll to the section of the automation that displays the number of contacts currently in the automation. Click on this queue number to view the list of unique contacts.

3. **Identify Duplicates**
   If the number displayed differs from your list of unique contacts, duplicates are present in your automation.

4. **Click the Contact Queue**
   Click on the contact queue within the automation action. This will redirect you to a contact page that lists all the contacts currently in the queue.

5. **Use Bulk Editing**
   Click the '''Edit All''' button located on the left side to initiate bulk editing of the contacts.

6. **Remove the Contacts**
   In the bulk editing options, select '''Remove from an automation'''. Choose the specific automation you wish to remove contacts from and then click '''Remove'''. An action will be queued indicating this removal.

7. **Tagging Contacts**
   In the same bulk editing window, select '''Add a tag'''. You can name the tag as you prefer (for instance, "Remove Duplicates"). Type in the desired name and click '''Add'''. This step ensures the contacts receive the tag while being removed.

8. **Apply Changes**
   Click '''Apply''' and confirm your intention to perform both actions.

9. **Return to the Automation**
   Click back to your automation to verify that the contacts have been successfully removed.

10. **Add Contacts Back**
    Hover over the automation action where you want to re-add the contacts and click on the add contacts icon that appears.

11. **Use a Segment of Contacts**
    In the '''Add contacts directly to this action''' modal, click '''Use a segment of contacts'''.

12. **Define the Segment Condition**
    In the segment builder, click the '''Select a condition''' field, then select '''Contact Details''' > '''Tag'''. Keep the operator as "Exists" and type your specific tag in the last field.

13. **Finalize Adding Contacts**
    Click '''Next''' and in the addition modal, ensure to review the default options:
    * Do not add contacts who have ever entered this automation
    * Do not add contacts who are currently in this automation.

    Uncheck these options if you want to re-add all contacts regardless of their previous entry into the automation.

14. **Confirm Addition**
    Click '''Add contact(s)'''. The contacts will be added to your automation immediately, and this action cannot be undone.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==
While working with duplicate contacts in automations, some key options and settings are crucial:

* '''Remove from an automation''': This option allows you to remove contacts from your automation that you identify as duplicates.
* '''Add a tag''': Tagging contacts is a valuable feature that helps in tracking and identifying processed contacts.
* '''Use a segment of contacts''': This option enables you to specify a criterion (like tags) for adding contacts back into the automation.

== Best Practices and Tips ==
- **Prevent Duplicates**: It is advisable to prevent duplicates from entering your automation in the first place. Consider configuring settings that restrict contacts from being added multiple times.
- **Regular Maintenance**: Periodically check your automations for duplicate contacts to keep your database clean.
- **Tagging System**: Use a systematic tagging approach to make it easier to identify contacts that have been removed.
  
== Common Use Cases ==
- **Email Campaigns**: Ensure that your email campaigns reach unique contacts to avoid sending multiple emails to the same person.
- **Lead Scoring**: Removing duplicates improves the accuracy of lead scoring and contact engagement metrics.

== Troubleshooting ==
If you encounter issues:
- Ensure you are following each step precisely.
- Verify that your contacts have been tagged properly if you’re using tags for re-adding them.
- Check if the automation settings were changed which might affect the ability to remove duplicates.

== FAQ ==
* '''Can I undo the removal of contacts?'''
  No, once contacts are removed from the automation, this action cannot be undone.
  
* '''How do I know if duplicates are present?'''
  If the contact queue number in the automation view differs from the list of unique contacts, this indicates duplicates.

* '''What happens to the tags when I remove a contact from automation?'''
  You can tag contacts during the removal process which allows for easy identification later.

* '''Can I prevent duplicates from entering other automations?'''
  Yes, you can configure settings that restrict contacts from entering any automation multiple times.

* '''Will this feature affect past entries?'''
  The changes only affect contacts entering the automation after you have updated the settings and do not work retroactively.

* '''Is there a way to bulk edit contacts without removing them?'''
  Yes, bulk editing allows for actions beyond just removal, including changing tags and updating details.

* '''What happens if I remove a contact I wanted to keep?'''
  That contact will be removed from the automation and may need to be re-added if intended for future engagement.

In conclusion, removing duplicate contacts from an automation in ActiveCampaign is a straightforward process that ensures the integrity of your contact lists and enhances your marketing efforts. By following the steps outlined and adopting best practices, you can maintain an effective automation strategy.
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