Get a Key/Authentication

All Google Maps Geolocation API applications require authentication using an API key. Including a key in your request allows you to monitor your application's API usage in the Google API Console, enables access to generous free daily quota, and ensures that Google can contact you about your application if necessary.

• Standard API customers need an API key set up in a project of your choice.
• Google Maps APIs Premium Plan customers need an API key set up in the Google Maps Premium Project (the project created for you when you ordered the Google Maps Geolocation API for Business). If you have not yet purchased access to the API, please contact sales.

Get an API key

If you are using the standard Google Maps Geolocation API:

Click the button below, which guides you through the process and activates the Google Maps Geolocation API automatically.

Get a Key

Alternatively, follow these steps to get an API key:

1. Go to the Google API Console.
2. Create or select a project.
3. Click Continue to Enable the API.
4. On the Credentials page, get an API key (and set the API key restrictions).
   Note: If you have an existing unrestricted API key, or a key with server restrictions, you may use that key.
5. To prevent quota theft, secure your API key following these best practices.
6. (Optional) Enable billing. See Usage Limits for more information.

If you have purchased a Google Maps APIs Premium Plan license:

To get started using the Google Maps Geolocation API, click the button below. Important: In the project drop-down menu, be sure to select the project created for you when you purchased the Premium Plan.*

Get a Key

Alternatively, follow these steps to get an API key for use with the Premium Plan:

1. Go to the Google API Console.
2. From the Project drop-down menu, select the Google Maps Premium project.*
3. Click Continue.
4. On the Credentials page, get an API key (and set the API key restrictions).
   Note: If you have an existing unrestricted API key, or a key with server restrictions, you may use that key.
5. To prevent quota theft, secure your API key following these best practices.

* Note: In the project drop-down menu, you must select the project created for you when you purchased the Premium Plan. Depending on your contract, the project name starts with Google Maps APIs for Business or Google Maps for Work or Google Maps.

You can also look up an existing key in the Google API Console.

For more information on using the Google API Console, see API Console Help.

Types of API key restrictions

Google Maps APIs are available for Android or iOS apps, Web browsers, and via HTTP web services. APIs in any platform can use a generic (unrestricted) API key. You can optionally add a restriction (for example, IP address) to the API key. Once restricted, a key will only work on platforms that support that type of restriction. Learn more about keys and credentials.

Specify a key in your request

To specify a key in your request, include it as the value of a key parameter.

For example:

https://www.googleapis.com/geolocation/v1/geolocate?key=YOUR_API_KEY