Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a powerful tool for tracking website traffic and user behavior, but data thresholding can limit its effectiveness. Data thresholding occurs when Google Analytics applies a sampling rate to your data, which can result in inaccurate or incomplete insights. In this article, we will discuss how you can eliminate data thresholding in GA4 by switching to device-based reporting.
What is data thresholding in GA4?
Data thresholding in GA4 occurs when the amount of data being processed is too large to be accurately analyzed in a reasonable amount of time. To mitigate this, Google Analytics applies a sampling rate to the data, which limits the number of sessions or events that are processed. This can result in inaccurate or incomplete insights, especially when trying to analyze smaller segments of your data.
This is happening because you have enabled Google Signals in you GA4 property. The Impact of this, is that rows with very small numbers in your reports will not be displayed.
Why switch to device-based reporting in GA4?
By switching to device-based reporting in GA4, you can eliminate data thresholding and obtain a more accurate representation of your website traffic and user behavior. Device-based reporting only tracks unique devices, rather than sessions or events, which means that the data processed is much smaller and can be analyzed in full, without any sampling. This results in more accurate insights and a better understanding of your audience.
The process of switching to device-based reporting in GA4
If you want to see rows with very small numbers in your reports, switching to device-based reporting in GA4 is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps.
- Go to the GA4 property you want to change.
- Click on the “Admin”.
- Click on the “Reporting Identity” tab.
- Then click down to the “Show all”.
- Select “Device-Base”.
- Save your changes.
Once you do that and come back to your report, you will no longer see that warning. By enabling the Device-Base toggle switch, you will be able to track unique devices, rather than sessions or events. This will eliminate data thresholding and provide you with a more accurate representation of your website traffic and user behavior.
Benefits of device-based reporting in GA4
There are several benefits to switching to device-based reporting in GA4, including:
- Accurate insights: By eliminating data thresholding, you can obtain a more accurate representation of your website traffic and user behavior.
- Better understanding of your audience: By tracking unique devices, rather than sessions or events, you can gain a deeper understanding of your audience, including their behavior and preferences.
- Increased efficiency: The smaller data set processed by device-based reporting means that the analysis can be completed more quickly, freeing up your time for other important tasks.
FAQs about switching to device-based reporting in GA4
What is the difference between device-based reporting and session-based reporting in GA4?
Session-based reporting in GA4 tracks sessions and events, while device-based reporting only tracks unique devices. This means that session-based reporting can result in data thresholding and sampling, while device-based reporting provides a more accurate representation of your data.
Will I lose any data by switching to device-based reporting in GA4?
No, you will not lose any data by switching to device-based reporting in GA4. However, you may notice a decrease in the amount of data being processed as it will only track unique devices rather than sessions or events.
Will switching to device-based reporting in GA4 affect my existing data?
No, switching to device-based reporting in GA4 will not affect your existing data. The change will only apply to new data being collected moving forward.
Is device-based reporting in GA4 mandatory?
No, device-based reporting in GA4 is not mandatory. It is up to the user to decide whether to switch to device-based reporting or to remain with session-based reporting.
Conclusion
To get rid of data thresholding in GA4 by switching to device-based reporting is a simple process that can provide significant benefits. By eliminating data thresholding, you can obtain a more accurate representation of your website traffic and user behavior, gain a deeper understanding of your audience, and increase your efficiency. If you haven’t already made the switch to device-based reporting in GA4, we highly recommend doing so to take advantage of these benefits.