Stanford
Stanford Sites User Guide

Switching to GA4

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) replaced Google Universal Analytics (UA) on July 1, 2023. You may have already received many emails from Google with information about this change. 

What does this mean for me?

If Stanford Web Services originally configured Google Analytics on your site, we have already ensured that your site has started to collect data to a connected GA4 tracking code. We switched your site to use GA4 in May 2023.

If you or a former site owner set up Google Analytics on your site, Google should have already created a connected GA4 account for you.  You will need to locate the tracking ID for your new GA4 property and make sure to update the appropriate field on your site to continue to track traffic to your site. 

Adding a new Google Tag ID for GA4  to your site

  1. Go to https://analytics.google.com.
  2. Navigate to the Universal Analytics property you want to change (if you manage multiple sites, you may have more than one.)
  3. Click on Admin in the lower left corner.
  4. Click on GA4 Setup Assistant in the middle column.
  5. Click on Go to your GA4 property. A new tab will open.
  6. Click on Data Streams from the left-hand menu.
  7. Click on the Data Stream for your website. Usually, there is only one, but if you are tracking an app, you can filter by using the tab called “Web.”
  8. You will be taken to an overlay called Web stream details. It will include a Measurement ID, which is formatted like G-XXXXXXXXXX. Use the copy icon to copy the ID.
  9. Then go to your website, log in, and go to Configuration → System → Site Settings to enter your new Measurement ID in the same field that has your UA- code. You can find out more about adding this ID in our User Guide.

What happens to my Universal Analytics data and reports?

Your Universal Analytics property collected data (if it is linked to your new GA4 property) until July 1, 2023. It is currently available for viewing historical data only. As of the date of this article, Google has not yet announced a firm date for retiring access to your Universal Analytics data, but it may be as soon as the end of the calendar year. If you think you need to have access to historical data, you may want to explore one of the options for archiving Universal Analytics outlined in this article.

If you provide site stakeholders with information about traffic, be aware that sessions and visitors are tracked differently in GA4.

Troubleshooting

I see a message at the top of the page, “This property's setup is not complete. Settings may be completed for you based on your original Universal Analytics (UA) property, unless you opt out in the connected UA property.”

The prompt aims to encourage users to interact with various Google products. This set of instructions is relevant for individuals who have customized conversions or audiences within Universal Analytics or utilize Google Ads.

How do I know if my account is already collecting data using GA4?

Locate and click on the Admin Button:
a. On the web page, find the blue admin button positioned at the bottom left-hand corner.

Access the Setup Assistant:
a. After clicking the admin button, the page will refresh, and you will be redirected to the administration panel.
b. In the second column, under the heading "Property," search for and click on the option labeled "Setup Assistant."

Verify Data Collection:
a. Upon accessing the Setup Assistant, you will be presented with various items.
b. Locate and identify the first item in the Setup Assistant, which should be "Data collection."
c. To the right side of the "Data collection" item, you will see the status indicator.
d. Confirm that the status indicator displays "Data Flowing."

Confirmation of GA4 Account:
a. Seeing "Data Flowing" next to the "Data collection" item signifies that your GA4 account is functioning correctly.
b. This indicates that data is being collected and processed in your GA4 account.

Note: If you encounter any issues or the status indicator does not display "Data Flowing," please consult the appropriate documentation or reach out to the relevant support channels to address the problem. 

ga4 screenshot