Google ads purchase pixel sees activity but not firing

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Topic summary

Google Ads purchase conversion shows “activity” but no purchases firing. The poster uses Google Tag Manager (GTM) and asks how to verify the pixel on the Thank You/Order Confirmation pages.

Suggested troubleshooting:

  • If using a Google/YouTube app integration for conversion tracking, disconnect the Google Ads account and reconnect; if issues persist, configure the purchase conversion goal directly in GTM.
  • Use GTM Preview mode to simulate a purchase, load the Thank You page, and confirm the conversion tag fires on that page.
  • Use the Google Tag Assistant Chrome extension to verify the Google Ads conversion tag firing.
  • Validate in analytics/reporting (e.g., GA4 or the pixel dashboard) that the purchase event includes key data (purchase value, transaction ID).

Key terms: GTM (Google Tag Manager) is a tool to deploy and test tags; Google Tag Assistant is a Chrome extension that checks tag firing; a “Thank You”/Order Confirmation page is the post-purchase page where conversion tags typically fire.

Attachments are screenshots of GA4/Google Ads server-side tracking setup, purchase trigger, and Google Ads purchase tag—useful for confirming configuration.

Status: No confirmed resolution; action items are to test and verify tag placement and data via GTM and Tag Assistant.

Summarized with AI on December 13. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Does anyone know how it is possible that I see activity but no actual purchase on the purchase action pixel?

1 Like
2

Thanks for your answer. How can I check if the pixel is installed on the Thank you page and order confirmation page? And how to do this?

currently I installed the pixel via Tag manager.

3

Hi Thusbier,

Thanks for your query.

If you are using Google and youtube app for conversion tracking then disconnect the ads account and reconnect.

If the issue still persist consider using Google Tag Manager to configure the google ads conversion goal/purchase goal.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks

google ads and GA4 tags for server side tracking.png
google ads and GA4 tags for server side tracking.png1907Ă—732 104 KB

Gads purchase trigger.png
Gads purchase trigger.png1426Ă—869 64.3 KB

GAds purchase Tag.png
GAds purchase Tag.png1382Ă—879 81.9 KB

1 Like
4

Here’s how you can check it:

1. Use Google Tag Manager’s Preview Mode- Open GTM Preview Mode: In your GTM workspace, click the Preview button.

  • Simulate a Purchase: Complete a test order on your website to trigger the Thank You or Order Confirmation page.
  • Verify Tags Firing: Once the Thank You page loads, GTM Preview Mode will show which tags fired. Confirm that the relevant pixel (e.g., conversion tracking tag) is firing on this page.

2. Use Pixel-Specific Tools- For Google Ads Conversion Tag: Use the Google Tag Assistant Chrome extension to verify that the conversion tag is firing. After the Thank You page loads, the extension will indicate whether the tag fired successfully.

3. Validate in Analytics or Reporting Tools- Check your analytics or reporting tool (e.g., Google Analytics, your pixel provider’s dashboard) for the conversion event tied to the Thank You or Order Confirmation page.

  • Ensure the pixel is recording the desired data (e.g., purchase value, transaction ID).

By using these methods, you can confirm that the pixel installed via Google Tag Manager is properly firing on your Thank You and Order Confirmation pages.