How to Get a Google Places API Key (Step-by-Step)

Getting started with the Google Places API might seem daunting, but once you know the steps, it’s quite straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create and manage your API key—no confusing tech talk involved!

Create Your Google Cloud Project

You’ll also see any remaining project quota in the notice area.
Go to console.cloud.google.com and log in with your Google account.
Click the project dropdown at the top of the page and select New Project.
Give your project a name that helps you remember what it’s for.
If needed, add your organization details.
Click Create and wait for the confirmation message.

Enable the Places API

Open APIs & Services: From the Cloud Console’s side menu, go to APIs & Services.
Search for “Places API”: Type “Places API” in the search bar.
Enable it: Click on Places API, then hit the Enable button to allow your project to use this service.

Set Up Your API Key

Go to Credentials: Still under APIs & Services, choose Credentials.
Create an API Key: Click Create Credentials, then pick API Key.
Copy Your Key: Your new key will automatically pop up. Copy it and save it somewhere safe—you’ll need it in your application.

Secure Your API Key

API Key Settings: Go back to Credentials, then click your newly created key.
Add Restrictions: Limit how and where your key can be used:
Application restrictions: Restrict the key to certain websites, IP addresses, or mobile apps.
API restrictions: Restrict the key to only use the Places API.
Save Your Changes: Don’t forget to click Save after making these updates.

Set Up Billing

Link a Billing Account: Go to the Billing option in the side menu. Connect your project to a valid billing account.
Review Pricing: The Google Places API uses pay-as-you-go pricing, but you also get monthly free credits.
Monitor Usage: Set up alerts to track your spending and avoid unexpected charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Google Places API free?
Not entirely. You get a monthly free credit, but beyond that, charges apply based on how many requests you make.

2. What is the cost of using the Google Places API?
The API key is free to create, but usage is billed per API call. You get $200 in free monthly credits for Map-related APIs and an additional $300 credit for your first 90 days in Google Cloud.

3. Can I use the Places API without billing?
No. You must have a billing account set up to use the Places API, even if you’re only tapping into free credits.

4. What if I exceed my free usage limit?
Your application may display an error about exceeding your quota, and you’ll start getting charged for further requests.

5. Is there a “Google Places API Key Generator?”
Not really. The creation process happens in your Google Cloud Console. It’s sometimes called a “generator,” but you manage everything through the console itself.

You’ve now got the know-how to create, secure, and troubleshoot a Google Places API key. Whether you’re building a café-finding app or a midnight taco tracker, the Places API makes location searches quick and easy. Good luck with your project!