I no longer have account-level access within Google Analytics, now what?

In this article, I'll tell you the best way to approach Google and the process of regaining account-level access within Analytics.

Before we begin

In the past few weeks, I have had to make sure for two clients that they regain account-level access.

In this process, there is one thing that determines whether Google is strict or not: having linked Google Ads account.

If an Ads account is linked to Google Analytics, the process is more elaborate, but still doable.

Let's move on quickly.

Step 1: Google contacts

Compared to years ago, Google is now a lot more accessible.

I got someone on the phone within 1-2 days and I am very happy with that.

Making initial contact is best done within Analytics itself.

You can do this by, when logged in, clicking on the question mark (?) at the top right.

Is no Google Ads account linked?

Then you can only contact them through the mail.

Is a Google Ads account even linked?

Then you can email as well as call.

Always go for calling!

Step 2: Explain your story

You must perform this step when calling as well as emailing:

Put in the mail or tell on the phone the following:

• I have access to my Analytics account, but not at the account level. This is important to us though, so can you help me with this?
• We have tried every email address imaginable (of course, you must have actually tried this first).
• Clearly state what your role is regarding the Analytics account. In fact, I mailed from my own email and not from the client's email address. For that reason, Google will always ask for an email address from the website itself so they can send all emails there.

Step 3: Google is going to dive in

If you called Google, they will write down all the information and get back to you within two days.

Should you have sent an e-mail, it also takes 2 days before you hear anything.

Step 4: Proving ownership

When it's all clear to Google, you get an email.

It says that Google will first send an email to the email addresses that do have account-level access to your Google Analytics.

This person, if there is one, then has two days to add you.

If you are then added, then you are lucky and do not need to read further.

However, are you still not added?

Then Google asks if you can prove ownership of the website.

Again, there are two options (depending on the link to a Google Ads account).

Without Google Ads account linked:
You need to copy two lines of text provided by Google into a .txt. file and save it with the name analytics.txt.

You then need to upload this file to your website (have your web designer do this if necessary).

This ensures that Google can see that you actually have access to the website, because they can see the file by going to your website and typing /analytics.txt after the url.

With Google Ads account linked:
When an Ads account is linked you will also need to create and upload the analytics.txt file, but in addition you will also need to complete the following form: https://support.google.com/analytics/contact/adminleft_ga.

Next, you must then submit the following information again via email:

• Payment details (method set + amount, invoice number and date)
• Billing address is listed in your Google Ads account
• A visible URL of one or more of your campaigns (i.e., the URL that people can click on in your ad)
• Some examples of keywords you target

Step 5: Google gives you account-level access again

If you completed the above steps correctly, Google will give you access again.

What I really liked about the whole process is that I was called by Google every few days.

They acted quickly and I made sure they had all the information they needed to follow through.

Did you fail to regain access?

If so, let me know in the comments and I'll help you out.