To get a Google Maps API key for WordPress, create a project in the Google Cloud console, add a billing account, enable the Maps JavaScript API and the other APIs your map uses, then create an API key under Credentials. Restrict it to your website and those APIs, and paste it into your map plugin — in GeoVerse Maps, under Settings → GeoVerse Maps.
You don't need a key just to show your location — GeoVerse Maps shows a keyless embed. You need one for markers, custom styles, search, filters, directions and layers.
Step 1: create a project
- Go to the Google Cloud console (console.cloud.google.com) and sign in.
- Click the project picker → New project, name it after your site, and create it.
Step 2: set up billing
Google Maps Platform requires a billing account, even for usage within the monthly free allowance. Open Billing, link a billing account to the project, and set a budget alert so you're told if usage climbs. Check the Google Maps Platform pricing page for current terms.
Step 3: enable the APIs
Go to APIs & Services → Library and enable what your map uses. For GeoVerse Maps:
| API | Used for |
|---|---|
| Maps JavaScript API | The interactive map, markers, styles and traffic, transit and bicycling layers |
| Places API | The visitor-facing search box |
| Geocoding API | Looking up addresses while you build the map in the editor |
| Directions API | The Get Directions route from the visitor's location |
If you don't use search or directions, skip those APIs. Google sometimes offers newer versions of an API alongside older ones; if you're unsure which to enable, enable the option the console recommends and test the feature.
Step 4: create and restrict the key
- Go to APIs & Services → Credentials → Create credentials → API key.
- Click the new key to edit it.
- Under Application restrictions, choose Websites and add your domains:
https://example.com/*https://www.example.com/*- Your staging site, if you test there.
- Under API restrictions, choose Restrict key and tick only the APIs from step 3.
- Save.
An unrestricted key in your page source can be copied and used elsewhere on your bill. Restrictions stop that.
Step 5: add it to WordPress
In GeoVerse Maps, paste the key in Settings → GeoVerse Maps, or in the API Key panel of any map block — it's one site-wide setting either way. Reload the editor and the block's marker, style, search, filter and directions settings are available.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "This page can't load Google Maps correctly" | Billing not enabled, or an API not enabled | Link billing; enable the APIs |
RefererNotAllowedMapError in the console | Domain missing from restrictions | Add the exact domain with /*, including www |
ApiNotActivatedMapError | Maps JavaScript API off | Enable it |
| Search box does nothing | Places API not enabled or not allowed by the key | Enable it and add it to the key's API list |
| Directions fail | Directions API not enabled or not allowed | Enable it and add it to the key's API list |
| Works on the live site, not staging | Staging domain not listed | Add the staging URL |
Keep costs predictable
- Only enable what you use.
- Set a budget alert in Cloud Billing.
- Use one map per page, not several.
- Keep the keyless embed on simple pages like a contact page where one pin is enough.
Ready? Build a store locator or a contact page map with GeoVerse Maps — every feature is free.