Complianz: Cookie Banner & Google Consent Mode v2 Setup Guide
Complianz is one of the best plugins for managing cookie consent and privacy compliance in WordPress. It helps your website comply with GDPR, ePrivacy, CCPA, and now integrates fully with Google Consent Mode v2 — a key requirement for websites using Google Analytics, Ads, or Tag Manager after 2024. This guide explains how to install, configure, and connect Complianz to Google’s Consent Mode v2 step by step.
What Is Complianz?
Complianz – GDPR/CCPA Cookie Consent is a comprehensive privacy management plugin that:
- ✅ Generates a compliant cookie banner
- ✅ Scans your website for cookies and scripts
- ✅ Supports GDPR (EU), CCPA (California), and other regional laws
- ✅ Automatically configures Google Consent Mode v2
- ✅ Works with Google Tag Manager, Analytics, Ads, and YouTube embeds
In short, it ensures your WordPress site collects data responsibly — and legally.
Step 1: Install and Activate Complianz
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins → Add New.
- Search for Complianz – GDPR/CCPA Cookie Consent.
- Click Install Now → Activate.
After activation, a new menu item Complianz will appear in your sidebar.
Step 2: Launch the Setup Wizard
Complianz includes a detailed configuration wizard that guides you through regional and technical settings.
- Go to Complianz → Wizard.
- Select your target region(s) (e.g., EU for GDPR or US for CCPA).
- Follow the on-screen steps to configure:
- Website type (company, blog, non-profit, etc.)
- Company details (name, country, contact email)
- Cookie usage and third-party services (Google Analytics, YouTube, etc.)
- Privacy policy and cookie policy pages (Complianz can auto-generate these)
- Click Finish Wizard to complete the setup.
Complianz will now generate a compliant cookie banner and privacy documentation automatically.
Step 3: Enable the Cookie Banner
- Go to Complianz → Cookie Banner.
- Customize your banner:
- Banner style: Popup, minimal, or slide-in
- Color scheme: Match your website’s branding
- Buttons: Accept, Deny, Preferences
- Behavior: Show until consent is given, or on every visit
- Click Publish to make the banner live.
Your site now displays a GDPR-compliant cookie banner to first-time visitors.
Step 4: Integrate Google Consent Mode v2
As of March 2024, Google Consent Mode v2 is mandatory for all websites in the EU using Google Analytics, Ads, or Tag Manager. It ensures Google only collects and processes data after user consent.
1) Enable Consent Mode in Complianz
- Go to Complianz → Integrations.
- Scroll to the Google Consent Mode section.
- Toggle the switch to Enable Consent Mode v2.
- Select the integrations you’re using:
- ☑ Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
- ☑ Google Tag Manager
- ☑ Google Ads
- Save your changes.
Complianz automatically implements the required consent signals (ad_storage, analytics_storage, etc.) to ensure Google scripts respect user preferences.
2) Add Your Measurement or Tag ID
If you’re using Google Analytics 4 or Google Ads, make sure your tags are connected properly:
- For GA4: Enter your Measurement ID (starts with
G-). - For Tag Manager: Enter your Container ID (starts with
GTM-).
Complianz will insert the tags automatically and handle consent management logic for you.
3) What Consent Mode v2 Does
When a user interacts with your cookie banner:
- ✅ “Accept” → Google collects full analytics and ads data.
- ✅ “Deny” → Only anonymized, consent-free pings are sent to Google (no cookies).
- ✅ “Preferences” → Partial consent based on selected categories (analytics, marketing, etc.).
This ensures that your data collection complies with EU privacy laws while maintaining measurement accuracy for Google services.
Step 5: Configure Cookie Categories
Complianz groups cookies into categories so users can control consent more precisely:
- 🍪 Necessary – Always active (essential for site function)
- 📊 Statistics – For analytics (e.g., Google Analytics)
- 🎯 Marketing – For advertising or tracking (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Pixel)
- ⚙️ Preferences – For saving user settings or language
Complianz automatically detects cookies and assigns them to the correct category using its built-in cookie scanner.
Step 6: Run a Cookie Scan
To ensure your banner lists all cookies and scripts accurately:
- Go to Complianz → Wizard → Cookies.
- Click Scan Website for Cookies.
- Wait while Complianz scans your site (this may take 1–2 minutes).
- Review and approve detected cookies.
The results automatically update your cookie policy and consent banner.
Step 7: Link the Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy
Complianz can generate these pages for you automatically:
- Go to Complianz → Wizard → Documents.
- Click Generate Document for:
- 📜 Cookie Policy
- 📄 Privacy Policy
- Insert the generated shortcodes into WordPress pages (Complianz will do this automatically if you allow it).
Your cookie banner will now link directly to these documents for transparency and compliance.
Step 8: Verify the Implementation
After setup, test that your banner and consent signals are working correctly:
- Open your website in an incognito/private browser window.
- Accept or deny cookies via the banner.
- Open the developer console (F12) → Network tab → Filter by
collect. - Check whether Google Analytics requests change based on user consent.
Alternatively, use the Google Tag Assistant Chrome extension to confirm that ad_storage and analytics_storage are set correctly.
Step 9: Customize the Banner Design (Optional)
Go to Complianz → Cookie Banner → Styling to adjust banner appearance:
- 🎨 Choose banner position (top, bottom, center, floating)
- 🖋 Change button colors and typography
- 🪶 Adjust animation and transition effects
Complianz offers several predefined styles that match most WordPress themes.
Step 10: Advanced Options (Developers)
Complianz adds a JavaScript API for custom integrations:
document.addEventListener("cmplz_event_status", function (e) {
console.log("User consent status:", e.detail);
if (e.detail.marketing === "allow") {
// Your custom marketing script here
}
});
This lets developers conditionally load scripts based on consent categories.
Step 11: Keep It Updated
Cookie and consent requirements evolve frequently. To stay compliant:
- 🕒 Re-run the cookie scan monthly
- 🔄 Keep Complianz and your plugins updated
- ⚙️ Recheck Google Consent Mode settings after updates
Best Practices
- ✅ Use Consent Mode v2 if you run Google Analytics or Ads in the EU.
- ✅ Always scan for new cookies after adding third-party plugins.
- ✅ Display the banner on first visit and allow reopening via a “Cookie Settings” link.
- ✅ Use clear, simple consent language for higher acceptance rates.
Conclusion
Complianz makes it easy to manage cookies and user consent in compliance with global privacy laws. By enabling Google Consent Mode v2, you ensure that your analytics and ad tracking remain functional while respecting user privacy — a must-have for WordPress sites in 2024 and beyond.
Summary: Install Complianz → Run setup wizard → Enable Consent Mode v2 → Scan for cookies → Publish banner → Verify tracking.
Once configured, your site is fully compliant and privacy-friendly.
🔌 Looking for more? Check out our WordPress Plugins Hub to discover recommended tools and how to use them.
