How To Check If A Site Has Google Analytics (6+ Easy Methods in 2024)

Have you ever peeked at a website and wondered, “Do they use Google Analytics?” 

Around 28.1 million websites use Google Analytics, which clearly illustrates how extensively GA4 is used across the internet. 

Google Analytics is highly valued for its comprehensive data collection and insightful reporting capabilities. You can check the sites if Google Analytics is installed or not.

Maybe you’re curious about a competitor’s strategy, tracking the success of your own marketing campaign, or simply want to understand how a website gathers user data (with ethical considerations in mind, of course!).  For this, you’ll be interested to check Google Analytics on website. Whatever your reason, figuring out if Google Analytics (GA) is used by a site or not can be valuable information.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to check if a site has Google Analytics using different methods.

What is Google Analytics? 

Google Analytics is a free and powerful web analytics service offered by Google. GA lets website owners track everything from website traffic and user behavior to the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

 It’s like having a virtual spyglass giving you insights into how people interact with your website.

Why You Need to Check for Google Analytics? 

Here are a few reasons:

• Competitor Analysis: Studying how your competitors use GA4 can provide valuable insights into their marketing strategies and user engagement.
• Campaign Tracking: Did your latest social media blitz bring in more visitors? Checking for GA can help you track the effectiveness of your campaigns.
• Understanding User Behavior: Knowing how users navigate your website (or a competitor’s) can help you improve user experience and optimize content.

Note: While the methods we’ll explore are effective, they’re not foolproof. Some websites might be clever and hide their GA tracking or use alternative analytics tools. But fear not; with a combination of techniques, we can significantly increase your chances of uncovering the truth!

6 Easy Methods to Check for Google Analytics on a Website

Now that we understand why we may need to check Google Analytics on a website, let’s learn how to check if GA4 is installed.

 Here, we’ll explore various methods for checking for Google Analytics, from using your browser’s built-in tools to utilizing third-party resources.

Browser Developer Tools:

Your trusty web browser holds Developer Tools. These tools allow you to peek behind the curtain and examine a website’s underlying code and network activity.

 We’ll use two key features within Developer Tools to check site for Google Analytics:

1. Examining the Source Code

You can learn how to check if Google Analytics is installed or not by inspecting the website’s source code directly.  This code contains the instructions that tell your browser how to display the website.  Here’s how to find clues for GA:

• Right-click Anywhere: Right-click on any empty space on the webpage.
• View Page Source: Select “View Page Source” or a similar option depending on your browser. This will open the website’s code in a new window.

Now let’s start checking!

• Search for Tracking Code: Use the search function within the code window (usually Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to look for specific snippets.

• GA4: Look for code starting with “gtag,” or referencing “firebase.analytics“. This will indicate the presence of GA4 tracking.

Remember: Not all tracking codes are blatantly obvious.  Some websites might embed it within scripts or utilize Google Tag Manager, making it more challenging to spot.

2. The Network Tab: Watching the Data Flow

Whenever you visit a website, your browser downloads various files like images, scripts, and stylesheets. The Network Tab within Developer Tools lets you see a real-time record of these downloads. Here’s how to use it to check how to tell if Google Analytics is on a page:

• Open the Website: Navigate to the website you want to investigate.
• Unleash the Developer Tools: Depending on your browser, you can access Developer Tools by:
  • Chrome: Right-click anywhere on the page and select “Inspect” or press F12.

• Firefox: Right-click and choose “Inspect Element” or press F12.
• Safari: Go to the menu bar, select “Develop”, then “Show Web Inspector”.
• Activate the Network Tab: Once Developer Tools open, locate the “Network” tab.

• Refresh the Page: Click the refresh button in your browser (or press F5) to initiate a new download of website resources.
• Watch the Network Traffic: Observe the list of files being downloaded. Look for entries containing “collect” in the name. These are potential indicators of GA tracking requests being sent to Google’s servers.

Checking the Request URL of this collect request can help identify which GA version is used.

Google Analytics Version	Protocol Version	ID Type	Example
Universal Analytics (UA)	1	Tracking	UA-XXXXXXXX
Google Analytics 4 (GA4)	2	Measurement	G-XXXXXXXX

Important Note:  While seeing “collect” requests is a strong clue, it’s not a guaranteed confirmation.  Some websites might mask or minify their tracking code, making it less obvious.

Next, we’ll explore how to use third-party tools and browser extensions to enhance your GA detection skills further!

Third-Party Tools and Extensions: Lending a Helping Hand

While browser developer tools are a powerful starting point, sometimes you need extra muscle. Here’s where third-party website analysis tools and browser extensions come in handy.  These resources can provide additional insights and simplify the process of checking for GA.

3. Website Analysis Tools: A Broader Perspective

Several online tools comprehensively analyze a website’s technology stack, including potential analytics solutions. Here is a popular option:

• SimilarWeb: SimilarWeb offers website traffic analytics and competitive intelligence tools, often revealing the presence of popular analytics tools like GA.

To check if a site is using Google Analytics through SimilarWeb, you can follow these steps, keeping in mind that direct mentions of specific analytics tools like Google Analytics might be presented in an indirect manner:

1. Visit SimilarWeb: Go to the SimilarWeb website and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you might need to create one, as some features and data might be limited to account holders.
2. Search for the Website: In the search bar at the top of the SimilarWeb page, enter the website URL you’re interested in analyzing and press Enter. This will take you to the site’s analytics overview page.
3. Navigate to the Technology Profile: Look for the Website Technologies section on the left side of the analysis page.

4. Examine the Technology Data: Look for mentions of Google Analytics in the technology profile or similar section. It could be listed under Conversion & Analytics tools or a related category.
5. Check for Analytics and Tracking Tools: If there’s a specific subsection for analytics and tracking tools, explore it to see if Google Analytics is mentioned. This subsection will list the technologies detected on the website, which might include Google Analytics, among other tools.

Please note the ability to see specific technologies, including Google Analytics, may vary based on the depth of SimilarWeb’s analysis for that site and the level of your access or subscription. For the most direct and technical way to confirm Google Analytics use, you might also consider using browser developer tools or extensions designed to detect specific web technologies by inspecting the website’s code directly.

Browser Extensions: For GA Detection

Have you ever wished you had a tiny detective gadget for your browser? Well, browser extensions can be just that!  Several browser extensions specialize in identifying website tracking tools, including GA. Here are popular options:

• Ghostery: This extension provides a real-time view of trackers found on a website, including analytics platforms.
• Google Analytics Debugger Extension: GA Debugger is an invaluable tool for anyone managing a website, providing SEO services, or simply curious about how websites use Google Analytics. 

4. Ghostery: Tool for Spotting Google Analytics

Ghostery is primarily known for its ability to detect and block trackers on the websites you visit. But beyond its privacy-preserving capabilities, Ghostery can be a subtle yet powerful ally in determining whether a site utilizes Google Analytics. Whether you’re a privacy-conscious user or a marketer aiming to check site for Google Analytics, here’s how you can leverage Ghostery for this purpose:

Step 1: Install Ghostery

If Ghostery isn’t already part of your browser’s extension lineup:

1. Navigate to the Chrome Web Store (or the extension store for your browser) and search for “Ghostery.” You can also find it through a quick web search if you’re using a different browser.
2. Install Ghostery by clicking the “Add to Chrome” button or its equivalent for your browser. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 2: Visit Your Target Website

With Ghostery installed:

1. Open the Website where you want to check if Google Analytics is installed. Wait for it to fully load so all trackers, including potential Google Analytics scripts, have a chance to initiate.

Step 3: Activate Ghostery

Ghostery sits quietly until you need it:

1. Click on the Ghost Icon in your browser’s extension area. This will bring up Ghostery’s main interface, initially showing you a snapshot of the trackers it has detected or blocked on the current page.

Step 4: Switch to Detailed View

To delve deeper into the specifics:

1. Find and Switch to the Detailed View within the Ghostery interface. 
2. Look for Google Analytics: Ghostery categorizes the trackers it finds. Look under categories and see if Google Analytics is listed.

If Google Analytics is installed, you’ll find it in the list as shown in the below screenshot:

What You’ll See

In the detailed view, Ghostery will list all trackers it has detected on the page, including:

• The Name of the Tracker: If Google Analytics is installed on the site, it will be listed by name.
• The Tracker’s Category: Ghostery also provides information on what type of tracker it is, helping you understand the tool’s purpose on the site.
• Blocking Status: Ghostery will show whether the tracker is currently blocked or allowed, giving you insight into how your browsing experience is shaped.

Why Use Ghostery to Check for Google Analytics?

Ghostery offers a unique perspective on detecting Google Analytics:

• Privacy-Focused: For privacy concerns, Ghostery allows you to check for trackers and manage which ones you want to block.
• Comprehensive Tracker Detection: While focusing on Google Analytics, Ghostery can detect a wide range of trackers, offering insights into the broader tracking ecosystem of a site.
• User-Friendly Interface: Ghostery presents information in a way accessible for users of all levels, making it easy to spot and understand the role of Google Analytics on a site.

Keep these limitations in mind:

• Blocking Capabilities: Some websites might block extensions from accessing their full code, potentially hindering detection.
• False Positives: Occasionally, extensions might misinterpret website code, leading to inaccurate reports of GA presence.

5. GA Debugger: Your Analytics Detective

When it comes to uncovering the mysteries of Google Analytics on a website, the GA Debugger Chrome extension stands out as a trusty sidekick. This extension peels back the layers of a webpage, allowing you to see that the Google Analytics data is sent in real-time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using GA Debugger for your detective work:

Step 1: Installing GA Debugger

First, we need to gear up by installing the GA Debugger:

1. Head over to the Chrome Web Store and search for “GA Debugger,” or simply click GA Debugger.
2. Click on “Add to Chrome” to install the GA Debugger. If this is your first time, you’ll be prompted to confirm the addition. Go ahead and confirm—it’s safe and incredibly useful.

Step 2: Activating GA Debugger

With the GA Debugger installed, it’s time to activate it and start the investigation:

1. Open Chrome and navigate to the website you’re curious about. Is Google Analytics tracking the visitors here? You’re about to find out.
2. Find the GA Debugger icon among your installed extensions and click it. The page will automatically refresh, and the icon will change to indicate that the debugger is active and ready for action.

Step 3: Opening Developer Tools

Now you need to navigate to the Developer Tools console, where GA Debugger reveals the secrets of the website’s Google Analytics tracking:

1. To open Developer Tools on Windows, simply press F12. On a Mac, the shortcut is Option + Cmd + J. These shortcuts take you to the Developer Tools section, specifically focusing on the Console tab, which is where GA Debugger communicates with you.
2. On Google Chrome, you can right-click and navigate to Inspect. This will open the inspection window, and you can then navigate to the Console tab.
3. Once you’re in the Console, clear it by clicking Ctrl+L to avoid confusion. Now, refresh the page to let GA Debugger do its job.

Step 4: Interpreting the Output

As the page reloads, watch the Console for messages from the GA Debugger. Here’s what you might see:

• A flurry of messages beginning with “Sending hit to GA” or similar text indicating that the website is using Google Analytics to track page views, events, and other interactions.
• Look for details like the tracking ID (formatted as UA-XXXXX-Y for Universal Analytics or G-XXXXX for GA4), the type of hit (pageview, event, etc.), and other parameters that offer a glimpse into how the site tracks user interactions.

Checking for GA Cookies

Cookies are small pieces of data websites store on your browser. They can be used for various purposes, including tracking user behavior across a website. GA utilizes cookies to collect data about website visitors. By looking at a website’s cookies, you might discover clues about GA’s presence.

 Understanding GA4 Cookies:

Cookie Name	Default Expiration	Description
_ga	2 years	This cookie distinguishes users.
_gid	24 hours	This cookie distinguishes users within a 24-hour timeframe.
_gat	1 minute	Used to control the request rate to Google Analytics. If deployed via Google Tag Manager, it’s named dc_gtm<property-id>.
AMP_TOKEN	30 seconds to 1 year	Contains a token for retrieving a Client ID from AMP Client ID service.
gac<property-id>	90 days	Holds campaign-related data. If Google Analytics and Google Ads accounts are linked, Google Ads tags access this.

6. Checking GA4 through Website Cookies

The process for accessing website cookies varies slightly depending on your browser.  Here’s a general guide:

• Open the developer mode by right-clicking on the page and selecting “Inspect”.
• Then navigate to the application tab.

• Identify Website Cookies: Look for a list of cookies associated with the website you investigated.
• Search for GA Cookies: Scan the list for cookie names containing “_ga” or “_gid”. These could be indicators of GA tracking.

Important Considerations:

• Limited Scope: This method only reveals cookies currently stored on your browser. If you haven’t visited the website before, you won’t find any cookies.
• Evolving Landscape: Cookie names and functionalities can change, so relying solely on specific cookie names might not be foolproof.
• User Control: Users can choose to block or delete cookies, making this method less reliable.

Google Analytics on WordPress: What’s the Best Approach?

Now we ask you if you have a WordPress site and are looking for a streamlined, user-friendly way to integrate Google Analytics into your website, Analytify is an excellent solution. This plugin simplifies the integration process and enhances how you view and interact with your analytics data directly from your WordPress dashboard.

GA4 Checker FAQs

Conclusion 

So, there you have it! We’ve explored various methods to check for Google Analytics on a website. From using browser developer tools to third-party resources, you’re now well aware of techniques to identify GA’s presence. You can use a combination of these techniques to find a site with Google Analytics.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to check if a site has Google Analytics.

You may also like to know How to Recover Google Analytics Account (2024).

Now over to you! Have you ever tried to detect Google Analytics on a website? If yes, what method you used? Share your thoughts in the comment below.