Cross-domain tracking in Google Analytics 4 (GA4) links user sessions across multiple distinct domains (e.g., domainA.com to domainB.com) by passing identifiers via a _gl URL parameter, treating them as a single continuous session. This requires all domains to use the same GA4 property and measurement ID (data stream), unlike subdomains which GA4 handles automatically without setup.
Key Benefits
- Provides a complete user journey view, reducing data discrepancies in e-commerce (e.g., product pages to payment gateways) and attribution errors.
- Improves accuracy for metrics like unique users, sessions, and conversions by avoiding session fragmentation.
Requirements
- Single GA4 property: All domains must share one property and measurement ID (G-XXXXXX); separate properties prevent session stitching.
- GA4 automatically detects domains if using the same Google tag; otherwise, manual configuration is needed.
Setup Steps (via GA4 Admin Interface)
- Go to Admin > Data Streams > [Your Web Stream] > More tagging settings (Configure tag settings) > Configure your domains.
- Click the pencil icon or Add condition; enter domains (e.g.,
example.com) using OR logic. Accept auto-detected recommendations if applicable. - Click Save. All domains must implement the same GA4 tag (e.g., via Google Tag Manager).
| Setup Strategy | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single GA4 Property + Single Data Stream | Unified tracking across domains. | Most users; simplest setup. |
| Multiple GA4 Properties | Cross-domain enabled per property; data joins externally (e.g., BigQuery). | Strict data separation. |
| Rollup/Subproperties (GA4 360 only) | Aggregated or filtered views. | Enterprise reporting. |
Cross-Device Tracking
GA4 does not natively support deterministic cross-device tracking (e.g., phone to laptop as one user) in standard setups, relying instead on probabilistic User-ID for consented, logged-in users across devices. Cross-domain focuses on same-device, multi-domain paths; combine with User-ID for fuller multi-device insights (not detailed in results).
Testing and Troubleshooting
- Check destination URLs for the
_glparameter after navigation. - Use GA4 DebugView to verify session continuity.
- Common issues: Mismatched measurement IDs, unconfigured domains, or third-party blockers.
Limitations include no historical data merging and potential privacy impacts from linker parameters; GA4 360 offers advanced options. For custom setups (e.g., via gtag), ensure linker parameters propagate correctly.
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