Can Segment Unify Delete Identifiers via Email When user_id Is Missing? – Twilio Support

Question

Can the Segment Delete Profile Identifier API delete identifiers from Unify profiles using email lookup when user_id is not configured?

Product

Segment

Environment

Segment Console

Answer

No. The Delete Profile Identifier API only supports profile lookup by user_id. It does not support lookup by email, and email lookup cannot be enabled for a specific space.

If user_id is not configured as an identifier, the API cannot directly target profiles by email.

Supported options include:

Configure user_id as an identifier, then send an Identify call containing both the user_id and an existing profile identifier, such as email. After the user_id is associated with the profile, use the Delete Profile Identifier API with that user_id.
Create a new space with the desired identity resolution settings and replay source data into the new space, where available.

Additional Information

Deleting an identifier does not redistribute historical traits or events into separate profiles. If the goal is to fully rebuild profile history under new identity rules, creating a new space and replaying data is the recommended remediation path.