How do I manage GA4 account and property settings?

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Applies to: Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
Last updated: May 2025

Problem

You need to configure administrative settings in GA4—such as account name, property details, data sharing options, and user permissions—but you’re not sure where to find or manage them.

Solution

GA4 uses a two-level structure: Accounts and Properties. Each level has its own settings accessible through the Admin panel. Account settings control access and data governance, while property settings control the configuration of tracking and reporting.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access the Admin Panel

  1. Go to https://analytics.google.com
  2. Select your GA4 property
  3. Click the Admin gear icon in the lower-left corner

You will see two main columns:

  • Account (left)
  • Property (right)

Managing Account-Level Settings

Edit Account Name or Settings

  • In the Account column:
    • Click Account Settings
    • Edit the Account Name
    • Save your changes

Manage Data Sharing Settings

  • Click Account Settings > Data Sharing Settings
  • Choose whether to share data with:
    • Google products and services
    • Technical support
    • Account specialists
    • Benchmarking

Manage Users at the Account Level

  • Click Account Settings > Account Access Management
  • Add, remove, or edit user permissions (Viewer, Analyst, Editor, Admin)

Managing Property-Level Settings

Edit Property Details

  • In the Property column:
    • Click Property Settings
    • Edit the Property Name, time zone, or currency
    • Save changes

Enable or Disable Google Signals

  • Click Data Settings > Data Collection
  • Enable or disable Google Signals (for cross-device tracking)

Data Retention Settings

  • Go to Data Settings > Data Retention
  • Choose how long to retain event data (2 months or 14 months)

Manage Users at the Property Level

  • Click Property Access Management
  • Grant property-specific roles (can be different from account roles)

Other Useful Settings

  • Default Reporting Identity: Choose between device ID, user ID, or blended mode
  • Attribution Settings: Set the default attribution model for reporting
  • Product Links: Link to Google Ads, BigQuery, Search Console, etc.

Notes

  • You must be an Admin to change account-level settings or manage user access
  • Changing the time zone or currency applies only going forward; it doesn’t update past data
  • There is no “View” level in GA4—filters and customizations are done within the property using comparisons or Explorations

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