Default Session Timeout in Google Analytics

Google Analytics automatically ends a session after a certain period of inactivity. By default, a session ends when a user has not interacted with your website or app for 30 minutes. This means that if a user opens your website, browses for a while, and then leaves the tab open without any further interaction for more than 30 minutes, Google Analytics will consider the session ended.

Here are some key points to remember about the default session timeout:

• The 30-minute session timeout is a default setting in Google Analytics.
• The session timeout is triggered by user inactivity—no clicks, page views, or other interactions with your site or app.
• If a user returns to your site or app after the session has timed out, a new session will begin.
• Sessions can also end at midnight—the end of the day according to the time zone settings in your Google Analytics account.

For example, if a user visits your website at 11:45 PM and continues browsing until 12:15 AM without any inactivity longer than 30 minutes, Google Analytics will record two sessions: one ending at midnight and another beginning immediately after.

It's important to note that the default session timeout can be adjusted in your Google Analytics settings. However, modifying this setting is not recommended unless you have a specific reason to do so, as it can affect the consistency and comparability of your data over time and across different websites or apps.

How Google Analytics 4 Handles Sessions

With the introduction of Google Analytics 4 (GA4), there have been some changes in how sessions are handled compared to Universal Analytics (UA). In GA4, a session is initiated when a user either opens your app in the foreground or views a page or screen, and no session is currently active.

Here are some key differences between GA4 and UA sessions:

• In GA4, a session ends after 30 minutes of inactivity by default, just like in UA.
• However, GA4 does not end sessions at midnight as UA does. Instead, a session can continue past midnight as long as there is no inactivity gap of more than 30 minutes.
• GA4 introduces session IDs and numbers, which are generated when events are started. These help identify and track unique sessions.
• GA4's enhanced measurement by default measures page changes based on browser history events, while UA does not.

It's essential to understand these differences when comparing data between UA and GA4. The changes in session handling, along with other differences in data models and metrics, can lead to discrepancies in your analytics data when migrating from UA to GA4.

As with UA, it's generally recommended to keep the default 30-minute session timeout in GA4 to maintain data consistency and comparability. However, if your website or app has specific requirements that necessitate a different session timeout, you can adjust this setting in your GA4 property settings.

In summary, Google Analytics ends a session by default after 30 minutes of user inactivity. This timeout applies to both Universal Analytics and Google Analytics 4, although GA4 introduces some changes in how sessions are handled, such as the use of session IDs and numbers and the absence of automatic session endings at midnight.

Understanding how Google Analytics defines and ends sessions is crucial for accurate data analysis and interpretation. By default, the 30-minute session timeout provides a standardized way to measure user engagement across websites and apps. However, in some cases, you may need to customize this setting to better align with your unique business requirements or user behavior patterns.

To ensure that you are making data-driven decisions based on accurate information, it's essential to regularly review your Google Analytics settings, including the session timeout. Take the time to assess whether the default 30-minute timeout is suitable for your website or app, and consider adjusting it if necessary. By optimizing your session settings, you can gain a clearer picture of how users interact with your site or app, ultimately leading to better insights and more effective strategies for growth and success.