Is it possible to get device_id when exporting googleAnalytics data?

[km2]

Hi.

Is it possible to get device_id when exporting googleAnalytics4 data to Bigquery or RedShift?
The device_id refers to information that can identify a user or device.

[ms4446 · Accepted solution]

Device-based reporting identifiers are a collection of identifiers that serve the purpose of tracking users across multiple devices and sessions. This set includes identifiers such as device_id, user_pseudo_id, and advertising_id. Client IDs, on the other hand, are distinct identifiers given to each user or device interacting with your website or application. These identifiers facilitate the tracking of a user or device across different sessions and devices.

In the context of BigQuery, both device_id and user_pseudo_id are part of the data exported from Google Analytics 4. The user_pseudo_id is a unique identifier, created by Google Analytics 4, to track a user across various devices and sessions. Similarly, the device_id is a unique identifier, but it's assigned to a device by the operating system.

By activating device-based reporting identifiers, client IDs for websites become interconnected. This implies that if a user accesses your website from one device and later from another device, Google Analytics 4 can trace the user's activity across both devices.

Importantly, the user_pseudo_id is considered more privacy-conscious compared to the device_id. This is because the user_pseudo_id isn't connected to a specific device, hence it's unable to track a user's physical location.

[ms4446]

Yes, it is possible to get device_id when exporting Google Analytics 4 data to BigQuery or Redshift.

However, this requires the activation of the Enhanced Measurement feature within your Google Analytics 4 property. Once Enhanced Measurement is activated, the device_id will be incorporated into the data exported to BigQuery or Redshift.

Here's a guide on how to activate Enhanced Measurement in Google Analytics 4:

1. Navigate to your Google Analytics 4 property.
2. Select the Admin tab.
3. Click on Data streams.
4. Choose the data stream for which you wish to activate Enhanced Measurement.
5. Proceed to the Enhanced Measurement section.
6. Click on the Enable button.

After activating Enhanced Measurement, the device_id will be part of the data exported to BigQuery or Redshift. The device_id is a unique identifier assigned to each device that accesses your website or app, allowing you to track user activity across various sessions and devices.

Here's an illustration of how the device_id column might appear in a BigQuery table exported from Google Analytics 4:

device_id: 1234567890abcdef

The device_id is a 16-character hexadecimal string. It's crucial to remember that the device_id may not always be accessible. If a user has chosen to opt out of tracking or if the device lacks a unique identifier, the device_id will not be included in the data.

[km2]

Thank you!

It is easy to understand. I will try it.

[km2]

Please tell me additional information
If we enable device-based reporting identifiers, are the client IDs linked for websites?
Also, in BigQuery, is it something called user_pseudo_id?

[ms4446 · Accepted solution]

Device-based reporting identifiers are a collection of identifiers that serve the purpose of tracking users across multiple devices and sessions. This set includes identifiers such as device_id, user_pseudo_id, and advertising_id. Client IDs, on the other hand, are distinct identifiers given to each user or device interacting with your website or application. These identifiers facilitate the tracking of a user or device across different sessions and devices.

In the context of BigQuery, both device_id and user_pseudo_id are part of the data exported from Google Analytics 4. The user_pseudo_id is a unique identifier, created by Google Analytics 4, to track a user across various devices and sessions. Similarly, the device_id is a unique identifier, but it's assigned to a device by the operating system.

By activating device-based reporting identifiers, client IDs for websites become interconnected. This implies that if a user accesses your website from one device and later from another device, Google Analytics 4 can trace the user's activity across both devices.

Importantly, the user_pseudo_id is considered more privacy-conscious compared to the device_id. This is because the user_pseudo_id isn't connected to a specific device, hence it's unable to track a user's physical location.

[km2 · Accepted solution]

I see.
I like the fact that user_pseudo_id can be exported from Google Analytics4 and is very privacy friendly.
Basically, I understood that by using user_pseudo_id, I can use BigQuery to analyze the logs.
Thanks for your answer.