So we have to pay $749 for GA4 to be able to track the checkouts? WTH? Is there a free way? Is that app absolutely necessary?
Topic summary
Goal: integrate Google Analytics 4 (GA4) into a Shopify store; current liquid snippet attempts aren’t working reliably.
Proposed workaround (community guides):
- Add GA4 global tag (gtag.js) to theme.liquid so it loads on every page.
- Generate a GA4 purchase event snippet via Analyzify GA4 Wizard and paste it into Settings > Checkout > Additional Scripts (Order Processing/Thank You) to track orders.
- Verify data flow after purchases. Images and code snippets provided are central to the setup.
Issues and open questions:
- A user who installed via Google Tag Manager (GTM) reports no data after 2 days and asks if gtag.js should also be added in theme.liquid. This was not answered.
Official update (Shopify staff):
- Shopify does not yet support GA4 natively; Universal Analytics (UA) is still supported. No timeline for GA4 support. Suggests third‑party apps (e.g., Elevar) to bridge gaps.
Apps and cost concerns:
- A free app (GA4tify) is suggested, but others note a lack of reviews and question costs (e.g., mentions of $749) for full checkout tracking; no consensus on a free, fully working solution.
Status: unresolved; users rely on manual code or third‑party apps; key questions remain about GTM vs direct gtag and free checkout tracking.