How can I separate anonymous traffic from known traffic?

When you collect anonymous data from non-consenting visitors, their data is mixed with that of other visitors. In this article, we’ll show you how to separate this data.

Create a segment for no-consent traffic

To create a segment for anonymous traffic, follow these steps:

1. Go to Menu > Analytics.
2. The option to add segments appears at the top of any open tab (Dashboards, Reports, Custom reports, Goals or Ecommerce). Click the + button.

   

3. Click Manage segments.
4. Click Add a segment.
5. Name your segment. Example: No-consent traffic.
6. In Visibility, choose Author or All users. All users lets you share this segment with your teammates.
7. (Optional) Check All sites & apps to make this segment visible across all sites and apps.
8. Set the following conditions and combine them using the OR logical operator:
   • IPv4 address equals 0.0.0.0
   • IPv6 address equals ::

   

   Note: Visitors’ IP addresses are fully masked if you turn on: Administration > Sites & apps > Privacy > Ask visitors for consent (on) > Collect anonymous data from non-consenting visitors (on). This is why you can use the mentioned conditions to filter out anonymous traffic.

9. Click Save.
10. Done!

Create a segment for consent traffic

To create a segment for known traffic, follow these steps:

1. Go to Menu > Analytics.
2. The option to add segments appears at the top of any open tab (Dashboards, Reports, Custom reports, Goals or Ecommerce). Click the + button.
3. Click Manage segments.
4. Click Add a segment.
5. Name your segment. Example: Consent traffic.
6. In Visibility, choose Author or All users. All users lets you share this segment with your teammates.
7. (Optional) Check All sites & apps to make this segment visible across all sites and apps.
8. Set the following conditions and combine them using the AND logical operator:
   • IPv4 address not equals 0.0.0.0
   • IPv6 address not equals ::

   

   Note: Visitors’ IP addresses are fully masked if you turn on: Administration > Sites & apps > Privacy > Ask visitors for consent (on) > Collect anonymous data from non-consenting visitors (on). This is why you can use the mentioned conditions to filter out anonymous traffic.

9. Click Create a segment.
10. All done!

Compare segments in reports

To compare segments in reports, follow these steps:

1. Go to Menu > Analytics.
2. Navigate to Dashboards, Reports, Custom reports, Goals or Ecommerce.
3. Pick the report you want to view.
4. Click All visitors at the top.
5. Select the segment with no-consent traffic.
6. Click the + icon at the top.
7. Select the segment with consent traffic.
8. All done! You can now compare your traffic sources.