Configure Google API key and required APIs

What this article helps you do

Add and test your Google Maps API key in Mapstore so that Google Places (reviews and hours) and Google Geocoding work correctly. Mapstore tests both required APIs when you click Test API key.

Before you start

• A Google Cloud project
• Billing enabled on the project (required for Maps APIs)
• Access to enable APIs in the Google Cloud Console

Video walkthrough

Use this short walkthrough if you want to follow the API setup flow step by step:

Step-by-step instructions

1. Create or use an API key

1. In Google Cloud Console, open your project.
2. Go to APIs & Services -> Credentials.
3. Create an API key (or use an existing one).
4. Optionally restrict the key by HTTP referrer or IP to improve security.

2. Enable the required APIs

1. Go to APIs & Services -> Library.
2. Search for and enable:
   • Places API (New) - for reviews and business hours
   • Geocoding API - for address lookup and bulk geocoding

Make sure you enable Places API (New), not the legacy “Places API”.

3. Add the key to Mapstore

1. In Mapstore, go to Settings.
2. Find Google Maps integration.
3. Paste your API key.
4. Click Test API key.

4. Interpret the test result

The test checks both APIs:

• Both pass - You’re all set. Reviews, hours, and geocoding will work.
• Partial pass - At least one API failed. The result shows which APIs passed and which failed.
• Both fail - The key may be invalid, restricted, or the APIs may not be enabled.

5. Fix a failed test

If the test fails, check these items before creating a new key:

1. Confirm you enabled Places API (New) and Geocoding API in the same Google Cloud project as the key.
2. Confirm billing is enabled if Google requires it for your project.
3. Check API restrictions. If the key is restricted by API, both required APIs must be allowed.
4. Check application restrictions. HTTP referrer or IP restrictions must allow the Mapstore request.
5. Recopy the full key with no extra spaces.
6. If the error is a timeout, retry once and check network or firewall rules if it keeps failing.

How to verify it worked

1. A green success message appears after a successful test.
2. Bulk CSV uploads and Google Sheets sync can geocode missing coordinates more accurately when your data has valid addresses.
3. When you add or sync a Google Place ID on a store, reviews and hours should load.

Common issues and fixes

Related articles

• Setting up Google Maps reviews and business hours - Use Place IDs and sync data
• Address geocoding failed during import - Troubleshooting bulk geocoding