How to generate Google Analytics UA code in new GA4 platform
Even though Google Analytics 4 is now the default version for all newly created properties in Google Analytics, some users might still want to create properties of older versions (Universal Analytics).
Even though Google has made that option a bit more hidden, it’s still possible. In this quick blog post, I’ll show how to create Universal Analytics properties in Google Tag Manager (when the default version is Google Analytics 4).
2-minute video
If you prefer video content, here is a quick 2-minute tutorial on how to create Universal Analytics properties.
How to Create a Universal Analytics Property
When you go to the Admin section of any Google Analytics property, click Create Property button.
Enter your property name, choose the time zone, currency, and then click Show advanced options.
After a new section appears, you need to click a toggle button next to a Create a Universal Analytics property.
Then you will need to enter the Website URL and choose how you want your new property to be created:
Create both properties (GA4 and Universal Analytics)
Or create just Universal Analytics
If you plan to use both, then choose the first option. If you want to work only with Universal Analytics, then choose the 2nd option.
Then finally, click Next, answer several questions, and click Create.
And that’s it! Depending on your choice, you will have either two properties (one of them is Universal Analytics) or one property (which is Universal Analytics).
Interested in upgrading to Google Analytics 4?
If on the other hand, you are interested in upgrading to Google Analytics 4, take a look at this blog post (+ video) where I explain your options and answer when/whether you should upgrade to Google Analytics 4.
To stay up to date with what’s happening in the Google Analytics 4 world, subscribe to my newsletter below (and I’ll also send you a list of awesome Google Tag Manager resources).
When Google Analytics upgraded in October 2020 the ability to create a UA- ID for website tracking became a bit hidden (by a lot). Luckily there is a simple series of steps to support websites that only accept UA- code tracking over use of the new gtag.js method.
From your Google Analytics ‘Admin’ goto the middle column ‘Property’ and click the + Create Property.
Give it a name (i.e. Website) and fill in the regional details.
Before you click ‘Next’, just above the button is ‘Show advanced options’
To the right of the ‘Create a Universal Analytics property’ slide the switch.
Using this option will give you the option to either create both a GA4 and a UA ID’s (where it creates two properties) or you can just create a single UA ID.
Suggest stick to the default (where it creates two ID’s, as you may find later you can use the newer option without having to generate a new ID.
When you return to the ‘Property’ section you will see a drop-down arrow that shows the two versions of tracking (new and original UA-)
Copy your tracking code out and carry on your merry way.