Analytics for mobile apps
Before setting up tracking for a mobile app, consult the best practices.
In this article:Using Firebase Analytics
You can track your mobile app using Firebase Analytics and see your reports in Google Analytics. If your app already uses Firebase, you can connect it to Google Analytics.
If you do not have a Firebase account, follow these instructions to sign up for Firebase and track your app using Firebase Analytics.
- Sign in to your Google Analytics account.
- Select the Admin tab.
- In the PROPERTY column, select Create new property from the dropdown menu.
- Select Mobile app.
- Select Firebase Analytics and click Go to Firebase. You'll be taken to Firebase where you can sign up.
Using Firebase Analytics and Google Analytics together
Google Tag Manager for mobile apps is integrated with Firebase. Using Tag Manager, it's possible to create a dual implementation of Firebase Analytics and Google Analytics for your mobile app. This is particularly useful if you currently use Google Analytics, but also want to use Firebase Analytics.
To do this, create a new mobile app container in Google Tag Manager. Select the option to use the Firebase SDK (not the legacy SDKs). This automatically enables Firebase Analytics on your app. Then, use Google Tag Manager to fire your Google Analytics tags in the same container. Learn more about using Firebase with Google Tag Manager.
- Set up a new app property in your Analytics account.
To set up a new app property in Analytics, you'll need to have Edit permission for the Analytics account. In your Analytics account, set up a new app property for every app you want to track. A tracking ID is automatically generated for each property. You need the ID(s) to complete the data collection set up. Follow the instructions on how to set up a new app property. - Download the Analytics SDK and implement the app tracking ID.
Download the Analytics SDK for Android or iOS from the same account screen that provides the tracking ID. Follow either the Developer Guide for Android or Developer Guide for iOS to implement tracking via the SDK, including the tracking ID. This tracking ID collects and send usage data about your mobile app to your Analytics account.
This process requires access to your app source code and should be completed by the app developer.Read all the implementation documentation carefully. All Mobile App Analytics reports are based on this set up. Errors in your set up can result in corrupted or incomplete data.
- Set up a new app property in your Analytics account.
In your Analytics account, set up a new app property for every app you want to track. A tracking ID is automatically generated for each property. You need the ID(s) to complete the data collection set up. Follow the instructions on how to set up a new app property. - Create a container for your app.
Go to tagmanager.google.com to create a Tag Manager account (or to access an existing account). Create a container for your app in the account (select the "Mobile Apps" option). - Download and implement the Google Tag Manager for Mobile SDK for either Android or iOS.
Refer to the Developer Guide for Android or iOS.
This process requires access to your app source code and should be completed by the app developer.Read all the implementation documentation carefully. The accuracy of your Mobile App Analytics, as well as all other tags you deploy, are based on this set up. - Add the Analytics tag to your container.
Related resources
- Best Practices for Mobile App Analytics setup
- Set up new properties for Mobile App Analytics
- Link Analytics and Google Play
- About Analytics in AdMob
