Verification happens in two stages: Real-time validation (to see if the data is firing) and Interface reporting (to see if Google is accepting and matching that data).

Step 1: Real-Time Validation via Tag Assistant

This is the “Developer Method” to ensure your tags are actually picking up user data (like email or phone) when a conversion happens.

1. Open Tag Assistant: Go to tagassistant.google.com and enter your website URL to enter Preview Mode.

2. Perform a Test Conversion: Complete the conversion action (e.g., fill out your lead form or complete a purchase).

3. Check the Summary: In the Tag Assistant window, click on the “Conversion” or “Purchase” event in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Inspect the Tag: Click on the Google Ads Conversion Tracking tag.

5. Look for the “em” Parameter: Under the “Values” or “Data Layer” tab, look for a field labeled em (Email), ph (Phone), or user_data.

• Crucial Tip: In 2026, you will see a long string of random characters (e.g., ah256…). This is the SHA256 hashed data. If you see this, the setup is working correctly. If the field is empty or missing, your tag is not capturing the data.

Step 2: Interface Diagnostics (The 48-Hour Check)

Once the tags are firing, Google Ads needs time to process the data.

1. Navigate to Summary: Go to Goals > Conversions > Summary.

2. View Diagnostics: Hover over the Status column of your conversion action.

• If it says “Recording (Processing Enhanced Conversions),” the setup is successful.

3. The Diagnostics Tab: Click on the specific conversion action, then click the Diagnostics tab at the top of the page.

4. Check the Health Rating: In 2026, Google provides a “Data Quality” score:

• Excellent: Setup is active and fully optimized.

• Good: Recording data, but could be improved (e.g., you’re sending email but not phone numbers).

• Needs Attention: There are errors (e.g., missing customer data terms or invalid hashing).

Technical Status Definitions

Troubleshooting: The “Customer Data Terms” Trap

A frequent reason for “Needs Attention” is legal, not technical.

Note: In 2026, Google will block all enhanced conversion data if the Customer Data Terms are not explicitly accepted.

The Fix: Go to Goals > Settings > Customer Data Terms. Ensure the status says “Accepted.” If it doesn’t, click “Review and Accept.”