What is a Google Advertising ID? (GAID)

A Google Advertising ID, also known as an Android ID, Android Device ID, or Android Advertising ID (AAID), is Google’s unique device identifier.

All smartphones and tablets, regardless of operating system, are identified by a uniquedevice ID. It’s an anonymized string of numbers and letters generated for the device upon initial setup. None of the user’s personal information is included in the ID. With consent, an appinstalledon the device can retrieve the unique device ID.

The Google Advertising ID is a combination of 8 characters followed by a dash, and then three sets of 4 characters. It uses all lowercase letters and numerical digits.

Mobile marketers use GAIDs to understand which ads, creatives, and channels are most effective.Ad networksutilize the Google Advertising ID to get an idea of a user’s behaviors and interests. Meanwhile, advertisers use GAIDs to monitorad engagementandconversions. Advertisers and developers can see views and clicks of ads, as well as when a user subsequently installs an app, makes a purchase, or signs up for a service.

Together, this data allows mobile app marketers to delivertargetedandretargetedads to potential app users. Creating thesepersonalized adsprovides a more relevant experience to users.

However, Android users have the option to opt-out of ad personalization. Following the industry push for increased user permissions and transparency spearheaded by the rollout of iOS 14.5, Googlereleased Android 12in 2021. Since this update, users who have toggledonLimited Ad Tracking (LAT) will have their GAID zeroed out, preventing advertisers from accessing device-level data.

How do I find my Google Advertising ID?

Finding a GAID is simple.

1. Open your device’sSettingsapp or Google settings app (depending on device).
2. Go toServices.
3. SelectAds.

The GAID will be listed at the bottom of the screen. Here you can reset your GAID or opt-out of ad personalization.

Now, Google has taken a step further in privacy solutions with theintroduction of its Privacy Sandbox on Android(PSA). Privacy Sandbox on Android is currently testing on select Android 13 devices in beta and will roll out futher betas this year. beta rollout stage on Android 13 devices. However, a full shift to PSA and its subsequent reduction in the reliance on the GAID for advertising and attribution is unlikely before the end of 2024.

Now, Adjust is anearly tester ofPrivacy Sandbox on Android. This allows us to collaborate with Google on change around advertising solutions that protect user privacy, and pass on valuable insights to advertisers.

Bottom line—Adjust offers robust mobile attribution and analytics to app developers for device-level and aggregated campaign data on Android devices, iOS devices, or both.Keep up to date with changes to the mobile privacy landscape with Adjust.