Google Analytics periodically checks your data and checks if there are any configuration issues. When Google Analytics finds any issues, it sends notifications as a gentle reminder so that you can fix them.
Sometimes Google Analytics will send you a ‘Tracking Code Mismatch’ notification like in the image below.
You get this notification when some or all of the web pages on your website have got Google analytics tracking code which is meant for another web property. In other words, you are using the Google Analytics tracking code of another website.
Another reason for having this notification is that Google Analytics has detected that the Google Ads account is linked to a different Google Analytics account than the one present on the destination URL.
This type of issue is more likely to occur if you manage multiple websites. Now let’s see in detail the reasons for having this notification.
Why do you get the ‘Tracking Code Mismatch’ notification in Google Analytics?
Some of the reasons for having ‘Tracking Code Mismatch’ notification could be
#1. Multiple websites
In a larger organization that needs a larger digital ecosystem with multiple websites connected. It may be possible that while deploying any new functionality the wrong tracking code is placed on the website. In such a case you will get this notification.
This could happen when you are deploying a new website functionality across multiple websites and somehow didn’t pay attention to selecting the Universal Analytics account according to the website.
#2. Google Ads (AdWords) account issue
If you have linked your Google Ads account to one Google Analytics property and the destination URL in the ads has a different analytics property, you are most likely to get this notification.
For example, suppose you have analytics property UA-XXXX-11 which is linked to the Google Ads account A. Now the destination URL set in the Ads campaigns contains a different domain with different analytics property UA-YYYY-22. In such cases, you are most likely to get a ‘Tracking Code Mismatch’ notification.
#3. GTM variable logic with multiple domains
If you are using Google Tag Manager for analytics implementation and you are also using multiple domains or hostname (website environment). In such a scenario you will generally use the lookup table variable to select the analytics property to which data will be sent.
For example, this lookup variable will decide the analytics property to which data will be sent based on the hostname or page URL like
If the hostname is “www.example.com” data will be sent to UA-XXXX-11 property, and if the hostname is “dev.example.com” data will be sent to UA-XXXX-22 property.
Now while deciding the variable condition, if there are any configuration errors and some or all of the web pages on your website have got Google analytics tracking code which is meant for another web property. You are most likely to get this notification.
How to fix the ‘Tracking Code Mismatch’ notification in Google Analytics
Based on the reason for having ‘Tracking Code Mismatch” notifications in Google Analytics, here are a few solutions that will help you fix it.
#1. Prevention of code mismatch
The best fix to have a different analytics code on your website is to prevent it from happening.
You need to make sure that every deployment going live must be checked thoroughly and validate if the correct tracking code is used. You can bring all teams together working on the deployment, establish best practices to be followed and stick to it.
Make sure that you check your GA tracking code in-network call using the following steps
Step-1: Navigate to your website and just right-click on a web page and select ‘Inspect’:
Step-2: A developer console window will be opened at the bottom of a web page, click on the ‘Network’ Tab
Step-3: Type “Collect?” in the Filter on the Left-hand side and refresh the page.
Step-4: Once the Page is refreshed, you can see the Collect call in the network tab. You can click on the collect call and then on “Headers” to see what information is being passed to Google Analytics. In the below image you can see a page view call sent to google analytics property.
Step-5: Now you can validate if the property is the correct property or not.
If the ‘Tracking Code Mismatch” notification is triggered because your Google Ads account is targeting multiple domains, you can ignore this error. But if you do not have any other domain then check within Google Analytics reporting and go to
Acquisition >> Campaigns>> Paid Keywords and look for (not set):
If you see “(not set)” value then you have a serious problem and you are directing traffic from your Google Ads account to the Analytics property that is not linked with each other. Make sure that you should have the same analytics property for which you have linked your Google Ads account in the destination URL of the campaigns.
#3. Updating Analytics tracking code using logic
Even if you are using any GTM variable to select the analytics property account you need to test your logic or condition that decides the final analytics property. You can try and the test is using Google Analytics preview mode for this. This way you can validate your logic or condition and it won’t create any issues as well.
So this is how you can fix ‘Tracking Code Mismatch’ in Google Analytics.
Other Articles on Google Analytics Notifications and alerts
Frequently asked questions about fixing ‘Tracking Code Mismatch’ notification in Google Analytics
What does ‘Tracking code Mismatch’ notification mean in Google Analytics?
You get a ‘Tracking Code Mismatch’ notification when some or all of the web pages on your website have got Google analytics tracking code which is meant for another web property. In other words, you are using the Google Analytics tracking code of another website.
Another reason for having this notification is that Google Analytics has detected that the Google Ads account is linked to a different Google Analytics account than the one present on the destination URL.
How do I find Google Analytics tracking code?
To find the analytics tracking code you can follow the below steps.
Step-1: Login to Google Analytics console. Step-2: Click on ‘Admin’ on the left-hand side menu option. Step-4: Now under the ‘Property Settings’ column, click on ‘Tracking Info’. Step-5: Now click on ‘Tracking code’ and in the right-hand side panel you will get your Google Analytics tracking code under website tracking.
How do I fix the ‘Tracking Code Mismatch’ notification?
Based on the reason for having ‘Tracking Code Mismatch” notifications in Google Analytics, here are a few solutions that will help you fix it.
1. The best fix to have a different analytics code on your website is to prevent it from happening. You need to make sure that you install the correct GA tracking code, the one which is meant for your website. 2. Have your Google Ads account set up and linked to the correct analytics property. 3. If you are using any GTM variable to select the analytics property account you need to test your logic or condition that decides the final analytics property. You can try and the test is using Google Analytics preview mode for this.
Register for the FREE TRAINING...
"How to use Digital Analytics to generate floods of new Sales and Customers without spending years figuring everything out on your own."
Here’s what we’re going to cover in this training…
#1 Why digital analytics is the key to online business success.
#2 The number 1 reason why most marketers are not able to scale their advertising and maximize sales.
#3 Why Google and Facebook ads don’t work for most businesses & how to make them work.
#4 Why you won’t get any competitive advantage in the marketplace just by knowing Google Analytics.
#5 The number 1 reason why conversion optimization is not working for your business.
#6 How to advertise on any marketing platform for FREE with an unlimited budget.
#7 How to learn and master digital analytics and conversion optimization in record time.
My best selling books on Digital Analytics and Conversion Optimization
Maths and Stats for Web Analytics and Conversion Optimization
This expert guide will teach you how to leverage the knowledge of maths and statistics in order to accurately interpret data and take actions, which can quickly improve the bottom-line of your online business.
Master the Essentials of Email Marketing Analytics
This book focuses solely on the ‘analytics’ that power your email marketing optimization program and will help you dramatically reduce your cost per acquisition and increase marketing ROI by tracking the performance of the various KPIs and metrics used for email marketing.
Attribution Modelling in Google Analytics and BeyondSECOND EDITION OUT NOW!
Attribution modelling is the process of determining the most effective marketing channels for investment. This book has been written to help you implement attribution modelling. It will teach you how to leverage the knowledge of attribution modelling in order to allocate marketing budget and understand buying behaviour.
Attribution Modelling in Google Ads and Facebook
This book has been written to help you implement attribution modelling in Google Ads (Google AdWords) and Facebook. It will teach you, how to leverage the knowledge of attribution modelling in order to understand the customer purchasing journey and determine the most effective marketing channels for investment.
About the Author
Himanshu Sharma
Founder, OptimizeSmart.com
Over 15 years of experience in digital analytics and marketing
Author of four best-selling books on digital analytics and conversion optimization
Nominated for Digital Analytics Association Awards for Excellence
Runs one of the most popular blogs in the world on digital analytics
Consultant to countless small and big businesses over the decade
Learn and Master Google Analytics 4 (GA4) - 126 pages ebook
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.