How to Set Up Google Consent Mode on Shopify (with screenshots)

Respecting user privacy while maintaining accurate tracking is essential for global Shopify merchants.  
 
Google Consent Mode helps manage user consent preferences to respect user privacy without sacrificing key analytics. 
 
This guide walks you through setting up Google Consent Mode on Shopify using Pandectes and Google Tag Manager (GTM): 

• Configure Shopify Store for Consent Management 
• Integrate Google Consent Mode with GTM 
• Apply Consent Requirements to Google Tags 
• Validate Consent Mode Setup

Configure Shopify Store for Consent Management 

To send consent preferences to Google Consent Mode, you will need to integrate a consent management platform with your Shopify store. 

Pandectes provides a cookie banner to collect user consent before passing data to Google. Follow these steps to configure it: 

1. In the Pandectes app, navigate to “Dashboard” and select “Customize” or go to “Settings > Banner.”

2. Choose the appropriate banner type based on your region’s privacy regulations. For example, if you need GDPR compliance, select “Preferences Banners” and set it to “Strict Policy.”

3. Click “Save.”

4. Return to the dashboard.

5. Click “Activate” to turn on the banner.

You should now see your consent banner displayed on your store. 

Important: When implementing Google Consent Mode via Google Tag Manager, ensure the GA4 integration remains in the default Off position under Integrations within Settings.  

Integrate Google Consent Mode with GTM 

Once your consent banner is live, you will configure your GTM container to communicate consent settings properly. 
 
Let’s walk through the following continuing to use our Pandectes example. 

6. In GTM, go to Templates and search for Pandectes CMP Consent Mode in the gallery.

7. Click Add to Workspace and approve the required permissions.

8. Navigate to Tags, click New, and search for Pandectes CMP Consent Mode.

9. Configure tag settings (default settings are recommended for category mapping).

10. Under Triggering, select Consent Initialization – All Pages. 

11. Name the tag Pandectes CMP and click Save.

At this point, your GTM container should include a Pandectes CMP, similar to the image below.  

Apply Consent Requirements to Google Tags 

After adding Pandectes to GTM, update tag settings to comply with user consent preferences. 

There are two methods for applying consent requirements: individually, or through a bulk action. 

Individual Tag Method: 

1. Open each tag in GTM and navigate to Consent Settings.

2. Select one of the following options:

• Not Set: No consent settings are configured.
• No Additional Consent Required: The tag fires regardless of consent.
• Require Additional Consent: Choose consent settings from Google’s list.

Bulk Update Method: 

1. In Container Settings, enable Consent Overview and save changes.

2. Click the shield icon at the top-right of the tag list.

3. Select multiple tags and apply consent settings in bulk.

Note: Google products (e.g., GA4) automatically adjust tracking based on user consent, but manual consent settings can fully block tag firing.  

Always consult with your legal team regarding specific consent requirements for your jurisdiction. 

Validate Your Consent Mode Setup 

You’re nearing the finish line – time to test and debug your configuration: 

12. Open Google Tag Manager Preview Mode and navigate to your store.

13. In the “Consent Default event” verify that all consent values default to “denied” (except security storage.)

14. Test the cookie banner by interacting with it and confirming that tag behavior adjusts accordingly.

15. Test to ensure further events in the session are firing according to your selected consent preferences.

Server-Side Tracking Configuration with Elevar 

The last step is to specify consent requirements for your marketing destinations within the Elevar app:

16. Open My Tracking to see your marketing destinations that are receiving Elevar data.

17. From your Shopify source, click Consent Mode.

18. Click Yes to enable consent mode, acknowledge the pop-up, and save your changes.

19. Configure consent requirements for each destination (GA4, Facebook, etc.) based on the legal requirements for your store’s region.

Questions about Setting up Consent Tracking in Shopify? 

As a Shopify Plus preferred partner, you can depend on Elevar to support your consent tracking setup.  

Elevar seamlessly integrates with Pandectes and other consent providers to track user behaviors on your Shopify store while respecting user privacy preferences.

Book a call with us to learn more about how Elevar can support your consent tracking in Shopify.