Update time: June 26, 2025
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Feature
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Definition
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A random identifier for a browser-device pair, generated by GA4.
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A unique identifier for a logged-in user, assigned by your system.
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Scope
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Device and browser-specific.
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Cross-device and cross-platform.
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Automatic or Manual
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Automatically generated by GA4.
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Requires manual setup and integration.
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Use Case
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Tracks anonymous users and sessions on a single device/browser.
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Tracks authenticated users across multiple devices and sessions.
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Storage
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Stored in the _ga cookie (first-party).
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Stored in your database and sent to GA4 via events or user properties.
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Privacy
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Anonymous and does not require user consent beyond cookie acceptance.
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Requires careful handling to avoid PII and comply with privacy policies.
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Persistence
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Persists for up to 2 years unless cookies are cleared or browser changes.
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Persists as long as the user account exists and is sent to GA4.
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Example
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GA1.1.1744161673.1625097600
(includes a timestamp).
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18bf92n3823bf283
(a custom ID from your database).
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