Home Tools Support Blog Help
Sign in Get Started

Google Maps API Key Setup for Batch Geocoder

Batch Geocoder

Setting up your Google Maps API key for the Batch Geocoder takes about 5 minutes. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get started.

Step 1: Create a Google Cloud Account

  1. Go to Google Cloud Console
  2. Sign in with your Google account (or create one if needed)
  3. Accept the Terms of Service
  4. Click "Create Project" and give it a name (e.g., "Batch Geocoder")

Step 2: Enable the Geocoding API

  1. In the Google Cloud Console, go to APIs & Services > Library
  2. Search for "Geocoding API"
  3. Click on "Geocoding API" in the results
  4. Click the "Enable" button

Important: Make sure you enable the Geocoding API specifically, not just the general Maps JavaScript API.

Step 3: Set Up Billing

Google requires a billing account, but provides $200/month in free credits:

  1. Go to Billing in the left menu
  2. Click "Add Billing Account"
  3. Enter your payment information
  4. Complete the verification process

Don't worry: You won't be charged unless you exceed $200/month in API usage. For most users, the free credit covers all geocoding needs (approximately 40,000 requests per month).

Step 4: Create Your API Key

  1. Go to APIs & Services > Credentials
  2. Click "Create Credentials" at the top
  3. Select "API Key"
  4. Copy your new API key (it looks like: AIzaSyD...)

Save this key - you'll need it to configure the Batch Geocoder tool.

Step 5: Restrict Your API Key (Recommended)

For security, restrict your API key to specific APIs:

  1. Click on your newly created API key to edit it
  2. Under "API restrictions," select "Restrict key"
  3. Choose "Geocoding API" from the dropdown
  4. Click "Save"

This prevents unauthorized use of your API key for other Google services.

Step 6: Enter Your API Key in the Tool

  1. Go to the Batch Geocoder tool
  2. Click "Complete Setup" or go to the Setup page
  3. Paste your API key into the secure input field
  4. Click "Save"

Your API key is encrypted and stored securely. We never see or use your key - it's only used for your geocoding requests.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"API key not valid" error

  • Make sure you enabled the Geocoding API specifically
  • Check that your billing account is active
  • Wait a few minutes after creating the key (propagation delay)

"This API project is not authorized" error

  • Enable the Geocoding API in your Google Cloud project
  • Verify your API key is copied correctly (no extra spaces)

"You must enable billing" error

  • Add a billing account in Google Cloud Console
  • Verify your credit card was accepted

Still having issues?
Watch our video guide: How to Get a Google Maps API Key

Monitoring Your Usage

To check how many geocoding requests you've used:

  1. Go to Google Cloud Console
  2. Navigate to APIs & Services > Dashboard
  3. Click on "Geocoding API"
  4. View your usage metrics and costs

This helps you track whether you're staying within the free $200/month credit.

Was this article helpful?