How To Create Google Maps API Key For WordPress

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Introduction.

Integrating Google Maps into your WordPress website can provide valuable location-based information and enhance the user experience.

However, to utilize the full capabilities of Google Maps on your WordPress site, you’ll need an API key.

A Google Maps API key is a unique identifier that allows your website to communicate with Google Maps and access its services.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a Google Maps API key specifically for your WordPress website.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to unlock the power of Google Maps and seamlessly integrate it into your WordPress site.

How Do I Create Google Maps API Key For WordPress?

Whether you want to display your business location, provide directions, or showcase points of interest, integrating Google Maps into your WordPress site is a valuable addition. However, to access and utilize Google Maps services, you’ll need to create a Google Maps API key.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a Google Maps API key specifically for your WordPress website.

Step 1: Sign up for a Google Cloud Platform Account.

To get started, you’ll need to sign up for a Google Cloud Platform account. Visit the Google Cloud Platform website (cloud.google.com) and click on the “Get started for free” button.

Follow the prompts to create your account. Note that you may need to provide billing information, although Google offers a free tier with a certain number of API requests per month.

Step 2: Create a New Project.

Once you have your Google Cloud Platform account, you’ll need to create a new project dedicated to your WordPress website.

In the Google Cloud Platform console, click on the project drop-down menu at the top and select “New Project.”

Give your project a name that helps you identify it, and click on the “Create” button.

Step 3: Enable the Google Maps JavaScript API.

With your project created, you’ll need to enable the Google Maps JavaScript API. In the Google Cloud Platform console, click on the “Enable APIs and Services” button.

In the search bar, type “Maps JavaScript API” and select it from the results. Click on the “Enable” button to activate the API for your project.

Step 4: Create an API Key.

To generate your Google Maps API key, navigate to the “Credentials” section in the Google Cloud Platform console.

Click on the “Create Credentials” button and select “API key” from the drop-down menu. Your API key will be generated, and you can copy it to your clipboard.

Step 5: Restrict API Key Usage (Optional).

For added security and control, you have the option to restrict the usage of your API key. By setting restrictions, you can limit access to your API key to specific websites or IP addresses. In the “Credentials” section, click on your API key to edit its settings.

Under the “API restrictions” section, select the “HTTP referrers” option. Enter the domain name of your WordPress website to restrict the API key to that specific site. Save the changes to apply the restrictions.

Step 6: Add the API Key to Your WordPress Website.

Now that you have your Google Maps API key, it’s time to add it to your WordPress website. Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the “Appearance” or “Customize” section, depending on your theme or plugin.

Look for the “Google Maps” or “API Key” option and paste your API key into the designated field. Save the changes to ensure that the API key is properly integrated into your website.