=== Lightweight Google Analytics ===
Contributors: someguy9
Donate link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/someguy
Tags: Google Analytics, GA4, Analytics, GDPR, Consent Mode
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 6.9
Requires PHP: 7.0
Stable tag: 1.5.0
License: GPLv3
License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html

Easily integrate Google Analytics with WordPress using just your tracking ID.

== 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.

== Installation ==

To install this plugin:

1. Download the plugin
2. Upload the plugin to the wp-content/plugins directory,
3. Go to "plugins" in your WordPress admin, then click activate.
4. You'll see a new option for Lightweight Google Analytics in your settings tab.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= How do I find my Google Analytics 4 Measurement ID? =
In Google Analytics, go to Admin > Data Streams > select your stream > copy the Measurement ID (starts with G-).

= What is Consent Mode and do I need it? =
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.

= How do I test if tracking is working? =
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.

= Is Universal Analytics (UA-) still supported? =
Yes, for backwards compatibility. However, Google discontinued UA on July 1, 2023, so data may no longer be processed. We recommend migrating to GA4.

== Screenshots ==

1. Plugin settings page for Lightweight Google Analytics


== 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](https://gist.github.com/idarek/9ade69ac2a2ef00d98ab950426af5791). 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.