---
title: Import, sync, and migrate identities
description: Import and sync identities into Advanced Identity Cloud, or migrate user passwords from a remote authentication service
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canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingoneaic/identities/import-sync-identities-preface.html
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---

# Import, sync, and migrate identities

Advanced Identity Cloud provides several methods for bringing identity data into your tenant. You can import identities in bulk from a file, synchronize them continuously with an external resource, or migrate them from a remote service as end users sign on.

Choose the approach that best matches your identity management needs:

* **Bulk import from a CSV file**: Use this method to add or update a large number of identities or other objects at once. This is ideal for initial data loading or periodic batch updates. Learn more in [Bulk import identities](bulk-import-identities.html).

* **Sync identities with an external resource**: Use this method to set up a continuous, two-way synchronization between Advanced Identity Cloud and an external resource such as an LDAP directory or a database. This is best for keeping identity data consistent across systems over time. Learn more in [Sync identities](sync-identities.html).

* **Validate passwords against a remote service**: Use pass-through authentication when migrating identities whose passwords can't be synchronized directly, or when users must continue authenticating with a remote service. Learn more in [Pass-through authentication](pass-through-authentication.html).

In addition to these methods, you can also schedule recurring jobs to support imports, synchronization, reconciliation, and other identity management tasks. Learn more in [Configure scheduled jobs](manage-scheduled-jobs.html).