Privacy Compliant App Attribution

Summary

API consumers that leverage Google Ads’ App Conversion Tracking and Remarketing API to directly pass app conversions should follow the following Android & iOS guidance. This will ensure clicks from users that opt out of ad tracking or ads personalization are only attributed using privacy compliant workflows. Please refer to the Request & Response Specifications Overview for additional information regarding parameter definitions and expected values.

Android Apps

Scope

App Install & App Engagement via all Google Ads campaigns

Background

Currently, Android users that have opted out of ads personalization cannot be tracked using Android Advertising ID (per Google’s policy). Instead, Google utilizes the gclid, a click url parameter that does not persist with the device.

Guidance

App Conversion Tracking and Remarketing API consumers must ensure that the gclid is correctly stored and passed.

Supported Scenarios

Supported Scenario: Install (user has not previously installed the app)

When an app install is driven by a deeplink that redirects to the Google Play store, and the user first opens the app, parse the gclid value from the Play Install Referrer API install_referrer field and store it either on device or server-side keyed by a 1st party identifier. This gclid should be stored for 180 days, or until another more recent Play Install Referrer gclid replaces it.This gclid can be passed via the market_referrer_gclid conversion request field.

Advertising ID is Available

When Android Advertising ID is available, the market_referrer_gclid is required to be sent with the corresponding first_open event. The market_referrer_gclid can be sent with downstream sessions & app events (i.e. session_start, add_to_cart, in_app_purchase, etc.).

Example: First Open
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=first_open
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
Example: Session and App Events
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=in_app_purchase
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
Advertising ID is NOT Available

When Android Advertising ID is NOT available, the market_referrer_gclid is required to be sent with the corresponding first_open event, and ALL downstream sessions & app events (i.e. session_start, add_to_cart, in_app_purchase, etc.), along with additional field/value, gclid_only_request=1. Note: The rdid value should be all zeros (since the user is unconsented).

Example: First Open
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=first_open
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
       &gclid_only_request=1
Example: Session & App Events
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=in_app_purchase
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
       &gclid_only_request=1

Supported Scenario: App Engagement (user has already installed the app)

When an app session is driven by a deeplink, parse the gclid value and store it either on device or server-side keyed by a 1st party identifier.
The gclid should be stored for 180 days, or until another more recent gclid replaces it. This value can then be passed via the gclid conversion request field.

Advertising ID is Available

When Android Advertising ID is available, the gclid is required to be sent with the corresponding session_start event. The gclid can be sent with app events (i.e. add_to_cart, in_app_purchase, etc.). The gclid should NOT be passed with downstream session_start events.

POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
Example: App Events
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=in_app_purchase
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
Example: Subsequent/Organic Session
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
Advertising ID is NOT Available

When Android Advertising ID is NOT available, the gclid is required to be sent with the corresponding session_start event and ALL downstream sessions and app events (i.e. session_start, add_to_cart, in_app_purchase, etc.). Note: The rdid value should be all zeros (since the user has opted out of ads personalization).

POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &gclid_only_request=1
Example: App Events
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=in_app_purchase
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &gclid_only_request=1
Example: Subsequent/Organic Session
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &gclid_only_request=1

Supported Scenario: Install + Engagement

When an app install is driven by a deeplink to the Google Play store, followed by an app session driven by a deeplink to the app, parse both the Play Install Referrer API gclid and deeplink gclid values and store them either on device or server-side keyed by a 1st party identifier. These gclid values should be stored for 180 days, or until another more recent deeplink gclid replaces the existing deeplink gclid, or a Play Install Referrer API gclid replaces the existing Play Install Referrer API gclid. The Play Install Referrer API gclid should be passed via the market_referrer_gclid field, AND the deeplink gclid should be passed via the gclid field.

Advertising ID is Available

When Android Advertising ID is available, both the market_referrer_gclid AND gclid are required to be sent with the corresponding session_start event and app events (i.e. add_to_cart, in_app_purchase, etc.). For downstream session_start events, pass the market_referrer_gclid, but the (deeplink) gclid should NOT be passed.

POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
Example: App Events
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=in_app_purchase
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
Example: Subsequent/Organic Session
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
Advertising ID is NOT Available

When Android Advertising ID is NOT available, both the market_referrer_gclid AND gclid are required to be sent with the corresponding session_start event, and ALL downstream session and app events (i.e. session_start, add_to_cart, in_app_purchase, etc.). Note: The rdid value should be all zeros (since the user has opted out of ads personalization).

POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
       &gclid_only_request=1
Example: App Events
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=in_app_purchase
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
       &gclid_only_request=1
Example: Subsequent/Organic Session
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=advertisingid
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &market_referrer_gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
       &gclid_only_request=1

iOS Apps

Scope

App Engagement via Google Ads Search, Shopping, & iOS ACi + Deeplinks

Background

iOS14.5+ users who have not opted in to app tracking cannot be tracked using IDFA (per Apple’s ATT policy). Instead, Google utilizes the gbraid, an aggregate click url parameter.

Guidance

App Conversion Tracking and Remarketing API consumers must ensure that all click parameters are correctly passed, including the gclid and gbraid.

Supported Scenarios

Supported Scenario: App Engagement (user has already installed the app)

When an app session is driven by a deeplink, parse the gclid and gbraid values, and store them either on device or server-side keyed by a 1st party identifier. These values should be stored for 180 days, or until replaced by a more recent value. The gclid value can then be passed via the gclid conversion request field, and the gbraid value can then be passed via the gbraid conversion request field.

IDFA is Available

When IDFA is available, both the gclid AND the gbraid are required to be sent with the corresponding session_start event, along with additional field/value, app_open_source=ad_click. The gclid and gbraid can be sent with downstream sessions & app events (i.e. session_start, add_to_cart, in_app_purchase, etc.). For subsequent downstream sessions, include additional field/value, app_open_source=organic.

POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=idfa
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
       &gbraid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &app_open_source=ad_click
Example: App Event
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=in_app_purchase
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=idfa
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &gbraid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
Example: Subsequent/Organic Session
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=0F7AB11F-DA50-498E-B225-21AC1977A85D
       &id_type=idfa
       &lat=0
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gclid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &gbraid=BX3QojHp4mY5MrJtFM_d1u
       &app_open_source=organic
IDFA is NOT Available

When IDFA is NOT available, the gbraid is required to be sent with the corresponding session_start event along with additional field/value, app_open_source=ad_click. and ALL downstream app events (i.e. add_to_cart, in_app_purchase, etc.). Note: The gclid field should be omitted, and the rdid value should be all zeros (since the user is unconsented). The gbraid is ALSO required to be sent with downstream sessions & corresponding app events (i.e. session_start, add_to_cart, in_app_purchase, etc.). For subsequent downstream sessions, include additional field/value, app_open_source=organic.

POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=idfa
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gbraid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &app_open_source=ad_click
Example: App Event
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=in_app_purchase
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=idfa
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gbraid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
Example: Subsequent/Organic Session
POST /pagead/conversion/app/1.0
       ?dev_token=Z_eErE4DkvcKjDM1OVE4c4
       &link_id=31FF8D67E5BB5DD5029DCC2734C2F884
       &app_event_type=session_start
       &rdid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
       &id_type=idfa
       &lat=1
       &app_version=1.2.4
       &os_version=9.3.2
       &sdk_version=1.9.5r6
       &timestamp=1432681913.123456
       &gbraid=Cj0KEQjw0dy4BRCuuL_e5M
       &app_open_source=organic