# OAuth Authentication for Google Analytics

**Recommended Approach**

For enterprise use cases, we recommend using a [Service Account](https://helpdesk.smaply.app/integrations/metrics-tools/google-analytics/creating-google-service-account) instead of OAuth. Service Accounts provide more secure and scalable access to Google Analytics data. However, if you prefer OAuth or have specific requirements, follow the steps below.

### Prerequisites[​](https://geoffbullen.github.io/smaply-knowledge/docs/documentation/metrics/integrations/google-analytics/Administration/o-auth#prerequisites)

A Google account with access to the desired Google Analytics properties

### OAuth Authentication Process[​](https://geoffbullen.github.io/smaply-knowledge/docs/documentation/metrics/integrations/google-analytics/Administration/o-auth#oauth-authentication-process)

#### 1. Initiate OAuth Flow[​](https://geoffbullen.github.io/smaply-knowledge/docs/documentation/metrics/integrations/google-analytics/Administration/o-auth#1-initiate-oauth-flow)

1. Click the "Connect to Google Analytics" button in Smaply
2. You will be redirected to Google's OAuth consent screen

#### 2. Grant Permissions[​](https://geoffbullen.github.io/smaply-knowledge/docs/documentation/metrics/integrations/google-analytics/Administration/o-auth#2-grant-permissions)

1. Sign in with your Google account (if not already signed in)
2. Review the permissions requested by Smaply
3. Click "Allow" to grant access to your Google Analytics data

#### 3. Verify Account Suitability[​](https://geoffbullen.github.io/smaply-knowledge/docs/documentation/metrics/integrations/google-analytics/Administration/o-auth#3-verify-account-suitability)

After granting permissions, Smaply will automatically check:

* If your account has access to any Google Analytics properties
* The list of properties you have access to
* Your permission level for each property (e.g., Read & Analyze, Edit, Manage Users, etc.)

{% hint style="warning" %}
***Note:** Ensure you're using a Google account that has the necessary permissions for the Google Analytics properties you want to integrate with Smaply.*
{% endhint %}

### Troubleshooting[​](https://geoffbullen.github.io/smaply-knowledge/docs/documentation/metrics/integrations/google-analytics/Administration/o-auth#troubleshooting)

If you encounter issues during the OAuth process or property verification:

1. **No properties available**: Ensure your Google account has access to at least one Google Analytics property
2. **Insufficient permissions**: Check your access level in Google Analytics. You need at least "Read & Analyze" permissions for the properties you want to integrate
3. **OAuth errors**: Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then attempt the process again

{% hint style="info" %}
***Tip**: If problems persist, contact your Google Analytics administrator to verify your account permissions, or reach out to Smaply support for assistance.*
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
***Token Expiration:** OAuth tokens have an expiration period. Smaply will handle token refresh automatically, but ensure you don't revoke the app's permissions in your Google account to maintain uninterrupted access.*
{% endhint %}