\n\n\nReplace YOURAPIKEY with your new API key in the code. Remember to restrict access to your API key to protect from unauthorized usage.","image":"https://explain.codes/media/static/images/eightify-logo.svg","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Nikita Barsukov","url":"https://explain.codes//author/nikita-barsukov"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Rational Expressions, Inc","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://explain.codes/landing/images/[email protected]"}},"datePublished":"2025-02-08T23:45:01.314Z","dateModified":"2025-02-08T23:45:03.267Z"}
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Google Maps shows "For development purposes only"

javascript
api-engineering
error-handling
google-maps
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Feb 8, 2025
TLDR

To rectify the "For development purposes only" message on Google Maps, you have to possess a valid API key and configured billing in the Google Cloud Console. Herein lies the distilled solution:

  1. Visit Google Cloud Console.
  2. Initiate billing for your project.
  3. Enable Maps JavaScript API.
  4. Create a new API key.
  5. Implement the new key in your Google Maps script tag.
<script src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=YOUR_API_KEY&callback=initMap"></script>

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your new API key in the code. Remember to restrict access to your API key to protect from unauthorized usage.

Delving into details: API and billing settings

APIs: Enabling and Error troubleshooting

When you initialize Google Maps API, you may run into these common issues:

  • Visit Google Cloud Console to control your project settings.
  • Activate all required APIs: Key APIs include the Maps JavaScript API, Geocoding API, and Places API.
  • Configure API key restrictions appropriately.

Understanding Billing and exploring alternates

Whilst some APIs come with a free quota, it's advisable to monitor your usage to evade unexpected charges. If budget-constraints are a concern, consider using alternate platforms like OpenStreetMap, or services like Leaflet and Mapbox.

Identifying and resolving issues with tools

The Google Maps Platform API Checker Chrome add-in is a remarkable tool for issue identification. Consult the Error Messages page for potential error codes and their resolutions.

Going the extra mile: Troubleshooting

API key correctness: Ensuring API key and code accuracy

  • Authenticate your Google Maps JavaScript API call for accuracy, ensuring the API key is right.
  • Scrutinize your code for initialization errors that could result in a faulty map render.

Capacities and limitations: User quotas and terms of Use

  • Comply with Google Maps API terms of use to prevent service halts or legal issues.
  • Keep an eye on usage limits to avoid surpassing your budget or quotas.

Settings and errors navigation: Encountering API configurations

Navigating API settings can be complex. You can successfully navigate by:

  • Throughly reviewing each API documentation you're using.
  • Reviewing the API key restrictions: If your map isn't rendering properly, the issue might be lurking in the restrictions.