1. Help Center
  2. Projects, Process & Support

Setting up a Google Maps API key

In order to help our customers with Google Maps integration, we have come up with a step-by-step tutorial on how to get a Google Maps API key fast and with minimum effort.

How to get a Google Maps API key?

Getting an API key is not complicated and just requires a couple of minutes of your time. In the process, you will need to create a billing account or use credentials of already existing one, which will be used for payment, in case you exceed your limits. So be prepared and have your billing data with you. By following the steps below, you will get your API key.

Step 1 – Create your project

To start the procedure, go to Google Maps Platform.

create-your-project

Press the “Get Started” button and in the window which appears. tick all three types of products. Press Continue.

start-a-project

In the updated window, choose Select a project and enter project name in the box below. Then click Next.

set-project-name

Step 2 – Create a billing account

Next, click Create Billing Account to being setting up your billing account.

create-billing-account

Create a name for your billing project and press Continue. Fill in the next form with your contact data and payment information and click Next.

Step 3 – Get your API key

In the window, you will be offered to enable your APIs. Press Next.

enable-apis

You will see a new window with your API key in the box. Save the key to be able to use it and press Done.

get-your-api-key

The key may be applied to any widget related to the Google Maps API.

Secure your API key

After your key is created, it’s recommended to restrict it to prevent unauthorized usage. Please, go to Google Cloud Platform Console and click on your key.

elfsight-secure-select-key

In the form which appears, select “HTTP referrers (websites)” and enter your site domain name in the field below.  It may be useful to add a wildcard subdomain if your site has any content residing on a subdomain, e.g. *.mydomain.com.

elfsight-secure-referrers

How do I handle my Google Maps usage limits?

When you get your Google Maps API key, you can set your daily quota for queries in the Google API console. Google Maps web APIs have 25,000 free requests per day, which means the service stays free during the day until you reach this number. If it is exceeded, you need to enable billing or buy a Premium Plan license to have a higher daily quota and allow for more queries. You can have more information concerning usage limits, higher quotas, billing and applying for increased limits on Google Maps API documentation page.