How to Find My Google Analytics ID
Finding your Google Analytics ID can feel like a scavenger hunt if you don't know where to click. Whether you need the new "G-" Measurement ID for Google Analytics 4 or you're looking for the old "UA-" Tracking ID for a legacy setup, this guide will show you exactly where to find them. We'll walk through the step-by-step process for both GA4 and Universal Analytics and clear up some common points of confusion.
What is a Google Analytics ID, Anyway? (And Why Are There Two Types?)
Your Google Analytics ID is a unique string of characters that links your website or app to your Google Analytics account. When you install your tracking code, this ID ensures that the data collected from your site - like page views, user sessions, and events - is sent to the correct place. Without it, Google wouldn't know which data belongs to you.
Over the years, Google has used different versions of its analytics platform, resulting in two main types of IDs you might encounter:
Measurement ID (example: G-XXXXXXXXXX): This is the current standard, used for Google Analytics 4 properties. A Measurement ID is tied to a specific "data stream," which is just a source of data for your property, like your website or a mobile app. If you set up Analytics after 2020, this is the ID you'll have.
Tracking ID (example: UA-XXXXXXXXX-X): This was the ID for the older version, called Universal Analytics (UA). If you used Google Analytics for years, this "UA-" format will look very familiar. However, Universal Analytics stopped collecting new data on July 1, 2023. While you might still see old Tracking IDs in legacy integrations or documentation, they are no longer used for new tracking.
For almost everyone today, the ID you will need is the GA4 Measurement ID. Let's find it.
How to Find Your GA4 Measurement ID Step-by-Step
If your Google Analytics property is the newer GA4 version, you'll be looking for a Measurement ID that begins with "G-". This is the ID you'll typically use for integrating with website builders like WordPress and Shopify, or for setting up tags in Google Tag Manager.
Here’s exactly where to find it:
Step 1: Sign in to Google Analytics
First things first, head over to the Google Analytics website and sign in with the Google account associated with your property.
Step 2: Navigate to the Admin Section
Once you’re in, look for the gear icon labeled Admin in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Click on it to open the administrative settings.
Step 3: Select the Correct Property
The Admin page has two main columns: "Account" and "Property." In the "Property" column, double-check that you have the correct GA4 property selected from the dropdown menu. If you have multiple websites or properties, they will all be listed here. GA4 properties usually just display a name and a number string, whereas old UA properties would show a "UA-" prefix in this view.
Step 4: Go to "Data Streams"
Still within the "Property" column, find the section called Data collection and modification. Click on Data Streams. A data stream is the source of information feeding into your property - for a website, this is your web stream.
Step 5: Click on Your Web Stream
You’ll see a list of your data streams. For most people, there will only be one entry listed under "Web." Click anywhere on that row to open its details pane.
Step 6: Copy Your Measurement ID
And there it is! In the top right corner of the Web stream details page, you will see your Measurement ID, starting with "G-". You can easily copy it by clicking the clipboard icon right next to it.
That's it! You've found your GA4 Measurement ID. The short path to remember is: Admin > Property Column > Data Streams > Your Web Stream.
Practical Uses for Your Measurement ID
Now that you have your "G-" ID, what do you do with it? Here are a few common places where you’ll need to use it:
Website Builders (WordPress, Shopify, etc.): Many website platforms or themes have a dedicated field for your Google Analytics ID. Plugins like MonsterInsights for WordPress or Shopify's native integration simply require you to paste this ID into a settings field to enable tracking across your entire site.
Google Tag Manager (GTM): A core use case for the Measurement ID is setting up the "GA4 Configuration" tag in GTM. This tag serves as the base for all your other GA4 event tracking, and the Measurement ID tells GTM which property to send all the data to.
Third-Party Integrations: Various marketing, sales, and analytics tools connect with Google Analytics to pull data. When setting up these connections, they will often ask for your Measurement ID to ensure they’re linking to the right data source.
Finding Your Old Universal Analytics Tracking ID (UA-)
Universal Analytics is old news for most, but you might need to find your "UA-" Tracking ID for historical reference or to check legacy settings. Remember, these properties are no longer collecting new data.
Here's how to locate it:
Navigate to Admin: Just like with GA4, sign in and click the Admin gear icon in the bottom left.
Select Your UA Property: In the "Property" column, make sure you choose your Universal Analytics property from the dropdown. You can recognize it by the "UA-" prefix next to its name.
Go to Property Settings: Right at the top of the "Property" column, click on Property Settings.
Find Your Tracking ID: Your Tracking ID ("UA-...") will be displayed at the very top of this page, under "Basic settings."
The path is even simpler here: Admin > Property Column > Property Settings.
Common Issues When You Can't Find Your ID
Running into trouble? It usually comes down to one of these common hiccups. Here’s what might be going wrong and how to fix it.
Problem 1: You Have the Wrong Account or Property Selected
This is the most frequent issue. Many users have access to multiple Analytics accounts (for personal projects, work, clients, etc.). Use the dropdown menus at the top of the Admin page to carefully check that both the correct account and property are selected.
Problem 2: You Don't Have the Right Permissions
To see administrative settings like the Measurement ID, you need at least "Viewer" level permissions for the property. If you sign in and the "Admin" section looks empty or certain options are missing, it means your access level is too low. You'll need to contact your account administrator and ask them to grant you sufficient permissions.
Problem 3: You're in a GA4 Property Looking for a UA- ID (or Vice Versa)
If you're following a tutorial for Universal Analytics but you have a GA4 property, you won't find tabs like "Tracking Info." Similarly, if you're in an old UA property, you won't find a "Data Streams" section. Make sure you're following the steps that match the type of property you are in.
Problem 4: Nothing Has Been Set Up Yet
If it's a completely new Google Analytics setup and you can't find anything, it's likely because you haven't created a property or data stream yet. The ID isn't generated until you take these steps. You'll need to click the "Create Property" button in the Admin section and follow the prompts to set up your property and first data stream. Once you do that, GA will assign you your Measurement ID.
Final Thoughts
Locating your Google Analytics ID is straightforward once you know the right path. For modern setups, you'll need the GA4 Measurement ID (G-) found within your data stream settings, while the older UA- Tracking ID is stored in the property settings of deprecated Universal Analytics properties.
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