You can update your user data in a number of ways. Most updates can be handled automatically by Intercom, but you can also update your data manually. In this guide, we'll cover how to update data using:
The JavaScript snippet
Mobile SDKs
Apps
Qualification data
REST API
CSV Imports
If you use the 'Prevent company attribute updates on Messenger' feature, it will prevent the company from being linked to users in your workspace.
How data is automatically updated
With the JavaScript snippet, or mobile SDKs
Once you’ve installed Intercom in your product, your user data updates every time a user logs in. Updates can include:
Standard attributes: Email, Last seen, Web Sessions, OS, Company Plan and more.
Custom attributes. Any custom data you add. For example: Projects created, Subscription level, or Follower count.
Events, like upgrading their subscription or using a feature.
We’ll also update the segment badges you see on a user’s profile each time they log in to your app 👇
You can also update segments via the REST API.
With apps
You can automatically sync your Intercom data with other platforms using apps and integrations. For example:
You can get more context on your users with Stripe data updated in your Intercom workspace.
You can automatically sync your lead data and activity with Salesforce.
You can also build your own apps to update your users’ data automatically.
How to manually update data
With qualification data
Qualification data is a special set of attributes you can update manually in Intercom as you chat with leads and users. It’s also a great way to manage attributes that need regular manual updates like a lead’s status in your sales pipeline.
When updating a contact's Name, it's possible to experience a delay with the changes. This is due to the Contact list being pulled from a different database.
You can also update qualification data automatically using Workflows.
With a CSV Import
To manually update your users and leads in bulk, you can use a CSV import. You can also tag users in bulk during the import process. Read more about using our CSV import tool here.
Company data cannot be imported or updated with a CSV import. You can only update user data with this method. Company data can only be updated by manually editing the data on the company profile or via the REST API.
Editing company attributes
There are three ways to edit company attributes in Intercom. All three methods are available to every customer — no additional plan is required.
1. REST API
You can create and update company attributes programmatically using the Companies REST API. This is the most flexible option and supports both standard and custom attributes.
Requirements:
An Intercom access token (available from your Developer Hub).
Any custom attributes you want to set must first be created as custom data attributes in your workspace.
Requests must include the company's Intercom ID or a
company_idyou've assigned.
2. JavaScript (in your app or website)
If you have the Intercom JavaScript snippet installed, you can pass company attributes directly in the Intercom('boot') or Intercom('update') call. Attributes are updated automatically each time the call is made — for example, on every page load or user login.
Requirements:
The Intercom JavaScript snippet must be installed in your app or website.
Company data must be passed inside a
companyobject in theIntercom()call. At minimum, acompany_idis required to identify the company.Custom attributes must first be created as custom data attributes in your workspace before values will be stored.
Note: If you've enabled 'Prevent company attribute updates on Messenger', insecure JavaScript updates to the Company attribute will be blocked. Updates sent via a valid JWT will still work.
3. Qualification data (Intercom UI)
Qualification data lets teammates manually update company attributes directly from a conversation or company profile in Intercom — no technical setup required. This is useful for attributes that need regular manual updates, such as account status or sales stage.
Requirements:
The attribute must be added to your Qualification data settings before it appears for editing in the UI.
Teammates need sufficient permissions to edit contact or company data in your workspace.
Note: Data updated manually via qualification will be overwritten if the same attribute is sent from your app via JavaScript or the REST API. Your app's database should always be the primary source of truth.
With the REST API or Zapier
For any other updates, we recommend using our REST API. With some custom development you can:
Set up regularly scheduled updates.
Build your own dashboard or interface for manual updates of your user data.
Connect Intercom to other apps or services you use, including your own product.
If you don’t have a developer available to you or prefer a less technical option, you can do a lot of these things with third party services like Zapier. If you use a service like Zapier, and come across any issues, you should reach out to their support team directly.
One thing to note about methods CSV and REST API: When users log in, the data sent from your integration to Intercom will overwrite the values you've set with API/CSV import. For this reason, your app's database should always be the primary source of truth for your users' data (you'll want to update stuff in your app before updating in Intercom).
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