> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.pears.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.pears.io/engage/community-relationships/merge-contacts.md).

# Merge Contacts

Learn how to merge duplicate contact records in the Community Relationships module in PEARS.

When duplicate contact records exist in your database, you can merge them into a single record. The merge process combines data from the duplicate records into one target contact and removes the duplicates.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**NOTE:** Merging contacts is a permanent action and cannot be undone. Review the records carefully before proceeding.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Navigate to Community Relationships

From the PEARS homepage, hover over the **Engage** menu and click **Community Relationships (CRM)**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Select Contacts to Merge

On the Community Relationships list page, select the duplicate contact records you want to merge by checking the boxes next to their names.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Click Merge CRM Contacts

Click **Merge CRM Contacts** in the bar that appears above the list to begin the merge process. The button is only available to users whose role grants CRM merge access, such as Data Managers.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Select the Target Person

On the **CRM Merge Tool** page, choose the contact record that will be kept after the merge. All data from the other selected records will be combined into this person.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Review the Merged Details

Under **Merged Email Addresses**, review the addresses gathered from every selected contact. Remove any you do not want to keep, add others with **Add Email**, and mark one — and only one — as **Primary**. Under **Contact Details**, review the record you are keeping and make any updates before merging.

The merge process will:

* **Combine email addresses** from all selected contacts into the target person's record.
* **Move all interactions** from the duplicate records to the target person.
* **Move all registrations** from the duplicate records to the target person.
* **Move partner links** from the duplicate records to the target person.
* **Delete the duplicate records** after all data has been transferred.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Confirm the Merge

Click **Merge Contacts** to complete the process. The duplicate contact records will be deleted and all of their associated data will be transferred to the target person.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**TIP:** Before merging, compare the contact records side by side to ensure they are true duplicates. Check names, email addresses, and other identifying information to avoid merging records for different people.
{% endhint %}