Google Maps has been making our lives easier for a long time by providing location and navigation services. It is effortless to use, and all you need is an active internet connection. However, to develop and run an Android application, you need to obtain a Maps API key from Google. The Maps SDK for Android requires an API key to connect with Google’s servers. This key supports an application’s identity by allowing Google to authenticate each request your app makes. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to get a Google Map key for your Android application.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Getting a Google Map Key for Android:

Google Maps is a robust tool for Android developers, but it also comes with its set of challenges. One of the significant issues developers encounter while creating an application is obtaining a Maps API key from Google, and for good reason. The Maps SDK for Android requires an API key to connect the app with Google’s servers, and this key ensures that Google can authenticate each request the app makes. Without an API key, the Maps SDK sends error messages, and the application does not function correctly. As acquiring the Maps API key is essential to run an app supported with Google Maps, it is crucial to get one.

Things You Should Prepare for:

Before we dive into the methods of getting a Google Map Key for Android, let’s review a few things that you need to have.

Installed Android Studio in your device.
You must be signed in to a Google account.
A Google Cloud Platform project with an API key.
A project that is linked with the Google Cloud Platform API key.

Method 1: Obtaining Google Map Key for Android Using Google Cloud Console

Pre-requisites:

Before we start the process of getting a Google Map Key for Android using Google Cloud Console, there are a few pre-requisites that you need to accomplish.

You should have an active google account.
Create a new project on Google Cloud Console and enable Google Maps SDKs.

Step 1: Firstly, you need to open a web browser and type this link in the address bar

https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/

Step 2: Log in to your Google Cloud account by clicking the ‘Get Started’ button on the Google Maps Platform page.

Step 3: You will be asked to select the product. Here click the Maps SDK for Android

Step 4: Go to the ‘Configure your maps’ section. Here, click on ‘Get Started’ to create a project, or select your already created project.

Step 5: Now, select an option for how you want to configure the APIs. Here, select ‘Create a new project.’

Step 6: You will now be prompted to enter the project name, billing details, and location. Follow the instructions, and once done, click on ‘CREATE PROJECT.’

Step 7: After creating the project, click on the ‘API credentials’ option on the left side bar and click on the ‘Create credentials’ button.

Step 8: In the ‘Add credentials to your project’ drop-down menu, select ‘API key.’

Step 9: A dialog box will appear with a new key. You can copy the key or just click ‘Close’

Pros:

The method is straightforward to understand.
It’s quick to set up and will only take a few minutes of your time.

Cons:

You might face unforeseen errors in the process of creating a Google Cloud project, which could delay the process.
If you’re a new Google Cloud user, you might not be familiar with the console, which would make the process more challenging.

Method 2: Obtaining Google Map Key for Android Through Google Developers Console

Pre-requisites:

Before we start the process of getting a Google Map key for Android through Google Developers Console, there are a few pre-requisites that you need to accomplish.

You should have an active Google account.
Create a new project on Google Developers Console and enable Google Maps SDK.

Step 1: First, open your web browser and enter the following URL in the address bar,
https://console.developers.google.com/apis/dashboard

Step 2: Log in to your Google account.

Step 3: From the navigation menu, choose "Create Project."

Step 4: Enter a Name for your project, and then click on the ‘Create’ button.

Step 5: From the dashboard, you will see the option for "ENABLE APIS AND SERVICES." Click on it and choose ‘Google Maps SDK for Android’

Step 6: In the ‘Maps SDK for Android’ page, click on the ‘ENABLES’ button, wait for a few minutes, and then refresh the page.

Step 7: From the left menu, click on the ‘Credentials’ option.

Step 8: Under ‘Create credentials,’ select ‘API key.’

Step 9: Copy the API key to use it in your Android project’s code. And you are done.

Pros:

It is a simple and straightforward process.
You don’t need a Google Cloud account to complete the process, just a Google account.

Cons:

The whole process of creating a project could take some time.
If you’re a new Google Developers user, you might not be familiar with the console, which would make the process more challenging.

Method 3: Obtaining Google Map Key for Android Through Android Studio

Pre-requisites:

You should have an active Google account.
Create a new project in Android Studio.

Step 1: Firstly, open Android Studio, and in the Android Studio menu, click on ‘File.’

Step 2: After that, select ‘Settings’ and then ‘Appearance & Behavior.’

Step 3: In the left sidebar, select ‘System Settings,’ then select ‘Android SDK.’

Step 4: In the ‘SDK Platforms’ tab, select the ‘Google Play APIs’ option, then click on ‘Apply.’

Step 5: After that, go to the ‘SDK Tools’ tab, select ‘Google Play Services,’ then click on ‘Apply.’

Step 6: Now, open your project’s Google Maps Activity, and you will see a link to ‘Get a Google Maps API key.’

Step 7: Click on the link, and it will open the Google Cloud Console website, where you can create a new project and obtain a Maps API key for your Android project.

Pros:

You can get a pre-configured Maps API key directly through Android Studio.
You don’t have to navigate through the Google Cloud Console to create a new project.

Cons:

It is the most challenging method among all three.
If you already have a Google Cloud Console account, it won’t link your existing project.

Method 4:

Using “.debug” extension in Google Maps API Key

This method is only practical when you’re developing an app and haven’t signed it yet for deployment. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Open your main build.gradle file in your Android Studio project.

Step 2: Add the following code inside the buildTypes object:

"`groovy
debug {
resValue "string", "google_maps_key", ""
}
"`

Step 3: In the above code, replace with your Google Maps API key.

Step 4: Sync your project and check for errors.

Pros:

You don’t have to go through the hassle of obtaining a new API key every time you test your app during development.
It is a quick and easy way to get started with Google Maps integration in your app.

Cons:

It’s not a secure method, and you can’t always use this approach in a production environment.
The extension [.debug] may not work if you are using a non-standard build system.

Why Can’t I Get a Google Map Key for Android?

The common reasons why you cannot get a Google Map key for Android are as follows:

1. Missing SHA-1 Certificate:

A SHA-1 certificate is necessary to obtain a Maps API key for Android. You can generate a SHA-1 certificate through the Android Studio ‘Gradle’ tab in the ‘Tasks’ section. If you don’t have a SHA-1 certificate, you won’t be able to obtain an API key.

2. Invalid Package Name:

The package name in the AndroidManifest.xml file should be precisely the same as the package name used in the Google Developers Console. If they don’t match, you won’t be able to obtain an API key.

3. Invalid API Key:

If you’ve mistyped or used an invalid API key, you won’t be able to obtain a Maps API key for Android.

Fixes:

1. Missing SHA-1 Certificate: If you are missing the SHA-1 certificate, you need to generate one using the Android Studio ‘Gradle’ tab in the ‘Tasks’ section. Once you have generated the SHA-1 certificate, copy and paste it into the Google Developers Console under the ‘Credentials’ section.

2. Invalid Package Name: To fix this issue, make sure that the package name in the AndroidManifest.xml file is exactly the same as the package name used in the Google Developers Console.

3. Invalid API Key: If you have mistyped or used an invalid API key, go back to the Google Developers Console and double-check the API key’s spelling and format. Correct the mistake and then try to obtain a Maps API key for Android again.

Additional Tips:

1. Do Not Use the Same API Key for Different Applications:

When creating a Maps API key for Android, every project should have a unique API key. Never use the same Maps API key for multiple applications. It’s simple to document the API use, track errors, and monitor traffic using unique API keys.

2. Enable Only the Required Maps SDKs:

Enable only essential Google Maps SDKs (Android, iOS, Web) in your project. Unused SDKs take up bandwidth and processing resources. Additionally, your projects and billing accounts will be charged for excessive usage.

3. Restrict Google Maps API Key Usage:

You can secure your Maps API keys by implementing security measures, such as adding HTTP referrers or specifying package names. You can also specify websites, IP addresses, and even mobile application restrictions.

5 FAQs about Google Map Key for Android:

Q1: How long is a Google Map Key for Android valid?

A: By default, your Maps API keys are valid for an unlimited period. However, you can set an expiration date for security purposes.

Q2: How can I confirm whether my Maps API key is valid or not?

A: Go to the Google Cloud Console and select the Maps SDK for Android page. If the Maps SDK is enabled, and you have entered the required credentials, it means your API key is valid.

Q3: Do I need to enable billing for using Google Maps Platform?

A: Yes, you must enable billing to use Google Maps Platform. However, Google does provide a free $200 monthly credit for Maps, Routes, and Places to their users.

Q4: What if I suspect my Google Maps API key has been compromised?

A: If you suspect that your Google Maps API key has been compromised, go to Google Developers Console and generate a new API key. Ensure that you update this API key in all your projects that use Google Maps Platform.

Q5: Can I share my API key with another developer?

A: Yes, you can share your API key with other developers, but it’s not recommended due to security reasons. Instead, share access to your Google Cloud Project, which contains your Google Maps API key.

In Conclusion:

In conclusion, obtaining a Google Map Key for Android is essential for implementing Google Maps functionality in an Android application. In this blog, we have outlined several methods to get a Google Map key for Android. We have also discussed the common problems that arise while obtaining a Maps API key and how to fix them. Don’t forget to follow the best practices and tips mentioned in this blog to ensure that you have secure and optimized Maps integration in your Android project. We hope this blog has helped you with obtaining a Google Map Key for Android, and you can now easily implement Maps functionality in your Android application.