Setting an Attribute as a Unique Identifier Fails with Error "There are too many users in the System with duplicate values for this attribute"
Mar 31, 2025
Lifecycle Management
Okta Identity Engine
Overview
When setting an attribute as a unique identifier in Okta, administrators may encounter the following error:
Failed to set <attribute> as unique. There are too many users in the system with duplicate values for this attribute. ** duplicate values found.
Applies To
- User Profile Policies
- Multiple Identifier
- Setting Unique Identifies
- Okta Identity Engine (OIE)
Cause
The error occurs if multiple users in Okta share the same value for the specified unique identifier (including deactivated users).
The “number of duplicates” is shown in pairs.
- For example, if 3 duplicates are found, 6 users have the same value.
Solution
- Export a list of users via the Rockstar extension.
- List all deactivated users using API List All Deactivated Users Using API.
- Verify and correct the duplicate values in the attribute field so that each user maintains a unique value.
