Description
This simple plugin adds Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to your WordPress site using your Measurement ID. Additional features include the ability to change the tracking code position, disabling display features, anonymize IP, and excluding roles from tracking.
Note: Universal Analytics (UA-) was discontinued by Google on July 1, 2023. This plugin still supports UA tracking IDs for backwards compatibility, but we recommend migrating to Google Analytics 4 (G-XXXXXXXX) for active tracking.
Features
- Performance focused with no bloat
- Extremely simple to setup
- Works with Google Analytics 4 (gtag.js) — Universal Analytics (analytics.js) still supported
- Regular updates for when GA changes in the future
- Only requires your GA tracking ID to work
- Option to put the tracking code in the header or footer
- Options to disable display features and anonymize IPs
- Options to exclude specific roles from GA tracking
- Option to use MinimalAnalytics.com’s tracking code (or MinimalAnalytics4 if using gtag.js)
- Google Consent Mode v2 support for GDPR/CCPA compliance
- Debug Mode for testing GA4 implementation
- Works with WP-Rocket’s local GA script feature
- Never any upsells
This plugin uses Google Analytics 4 (gtag.js) tracking code by default. Universal Analytics (analytics.js) is still supported for backwards compatibility. It does not include any built in reporting — to view your site statistics, visit Google Analytics after installing.
Screenshots
Plugin settings page for Lightweight Google Analytics
Installation
To install this plugin:
- Download the plugin
- Upload the plugin to the wp-content/plugins directory,
- Go to “plugins” in your WordPress admin, then click activate.
- You’ll see a new option for Lightweight Google Analytics in your settings tab.
FAQ
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How do I find my Google Analytics 4 Measurement ID?
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In Google Analytics, go to Admin > Data Streams > select your stream > copy the Measurement ID (starts with G-).
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What is Consent Mode and do I need it?
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Google Consent Mode v2 helps you comply with GDPR/CCPA by denying analytics storage until users consent. Enable it if you use a cookie consent plugin and need to comply with privacy regulations.
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How do I test if tracking is working?
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Enable Debug Mode in the plugin settings, then go to Google Analytics > Admin > DebugView to see real-time hits from your site. Remember to disable Debug Mode when done testing.
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Is Universal Analytics (UA-) still supported?
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Yes, for backwards compatibility. However, Google discontinued UA on July 1, 2023, so data may no longer be processed. We recommend migrating to GA4.
Reviews
Contributors & Developers
“Lightweight Google Analytics” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
“Lightweight Google Analytics” has been translated into 5 locales. Thank you to the translators for their contributions.
Translate “Lightweight Google Analytics” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
1.5.0
- Added Google Consent Mode v2 support for GDPR/CCPA compliant tracking.
- Added Debug Mode toggle for GA4 testing via DebugView.
- Updated messaging to prioritize Google Analytics 4 (GA4) over deprecated Universal Analytics.
- Added admin notice warning for sites still using Universal Analytics (UA-) tracking IDs.
- Added note clarifying that IP anonymization is automatic in GA4.
- Added input sanitization and validation for tracking IDs and all settings.
- Code cleanup and optimization.
- Tested up to WordPress 6.9.
1.4.3
- Tested up to WordPress 6.5.
- Upgraded minimal analytics tracking scripts.
1.4.2
- Tested up to WordPress 6.3.
1.4.1
- PHP Error bugfix.
1.4
- Included MinimalAnalytics4 by idarek on GitHub. This allows you to use a gtag tracking code for page views & site search without loading Google’s bloated tracking library.
- Removed jQuery references in the admin for vanilla JS.
- Tested up to WordPress 6.0.
1.3
- Tested up to WordPress 5.8.
- Added link to analytics.google.com in settings page
1.2.2
- PHP Warning bug fix.
1.2.1
- Tested up to WordPress 5.7.
1.2.0
- Added the ability to use Global site tag measurement ID (gtag.js) as well as Universal Analytics tracking ID (analytics.js).
1.1.1
- Admin page tweaks and added a setup prompt at first install
1.1.0
- Added option to use MinimalAnalytics.com’s tracking code
1.0.0
- Initial Release.