Will Shopify implement native Google Analytics 4 integration?

[AlexD11]

I don't talk about 3rd party workarounds using Google Tag Manager or directly installing tags on the website, I mean specifically native integration like how it works with old Google Analytics at the moment with E-commerce settings without coding and installing additional scripts/apps/etc.

[Victor]

Hi @AlexD11,

Thank you for getting in touch and asking your question. At this time, Shopify does not directly support Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and continues to support Universal Analytics (UA) properties, which can still be generated in Google Analytics. 

Shopify may well opt to support the update in future but we do not have any clear time frame on when this may be that I can share. For now merchants are encouraged to keep using UA properties, but there are apps such as Elevar Tag Manager which offers conversion tracking for GA4 that can be used while direct GA4 integration is not available through the Shopify admin.

I understand that allowing for full GA4 support is important for you and your business, and I will be sure to log your feedback with our development team.

[AlexD11]

I understand that allowing for full GA4 support is important for you and your business, and I will be sure to log your feedback with our development team.

Thank you for your reply Victor, what is more important that GA4 support will be essential for all Shopify users who use Google Analytics/Google Ads where it's extremely important to use all modern features. Since Google will promote GA4 as a full upgrade and replacement for outdated UA properties with lack of new features

[EmmanuelFlossie]

Currently, GA4 is not geared towards eCommerce, it has no eCommerce features like Google Analytics Universal (GA3) has.

So even if you install GA4, you still need to use GA3 for all eCommerce related data.

However, for my clients I install it using Google Tag Manager. It might be worth you installing it as an addition to GA3 too.

[AlexD11]

Are you sure about that? Some marketers already use it in their setups

https://www.simoahava.com/analytics/google-analytics-4-ecommerce-guide-google-tag-manager/

https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/10119380?hl=en

[EmmanuelFlossie]

Great article, as it references, it's still in its infancy.

[Myosotie]

Hi Victor, 

Just a quick follow-up on this one year later.

As Google Analytics Universal only has a few months to live, do you plan to update the native integration and to make it compliant with GA4?

Thanks

[EmmanuelFlossie]

I have a feeling that Shopify may not integrate with GA4 by default. As I'm extremely surprised why they are leaving it last minute, if they are implementing it.

Because the setup is rather easy, and even more easy for Shopify.  I suspect Shopify may not integrate it for legal reasons? IE privacy?