Google Analytics 4 (GA4) data isn’t updated in real-time; instead, it’s processed in near real-time with varying degrees of finalisation, as of December 2025. The speed of data availability depends on the type of metric and the reporting view you’re accessing.

Currently, GA4 employs a tiered processing system. ‘Realtime’ reports show data within seconds, but this is a sample and isn’t for definitive analysis. Standard reports typically show data with a delay of between 24 and 48 hours. However, GA4 now includes ‘Intraday’ reports, available to all Australian GA4 properties, which provide more granular, near real-time data for key metrics like users and events, updating approximately every four hours. Data discrepancies between reports are normal due to differing processing times and methodologies. GA4’s data modelling, which addresses privacy regulations like Australia’s Privacy Act 1988, also contributes to processing times. In 2026, Google has announced enhancements to the data modelling process, aiming to reduce discrepancies without compromising user privacy. The GA4 Data API also reflects these processing times; data accessed via the API will align with the latency of the reports.

Essentially, GA4 uses a staged processing system to balance speed, accuracy, and user privacy when delivering data to Australian businesses.