Google Maps API key setup ​
This is the most critical step. WP Google Street View uses the Google Maps JavaScript API to render maps and Street View panoramas. You need a valid API key to make it work.
Good news
Google provides $200 per month in free credits for Maps API usage. For the vast majority of websites, this means you will never pay a cent. A typical WordPress site with moderate traffic uses less than $10/month in API calls.
Step 1: Enable the required APIs ​
Click the button below to enable all four required APIs in one step:
→ Enable Maps JavaScript, Geocoding, Directions & Places APIs
You will see the Google API Console screen. Select an existing project or create a new one, then click Continue.
If this is your first project, give it a descriptive name like "My Website Maps" or your domain name.
Step 2: Create and name your API key ​
After enabling the APIs, Google will generate an API key. You can rename it for clarity (e.g., "WP Google Street View Key").
Set application restrictions ​
For security, restrict your key to HTTP referrers (websites) and add your domain:
https://yourdomain.com/*
https://www.yourdomain.com/*Set API restrictions ​
Click the API restrictions tab and select the four APIs you enabled:
- Maps JavaScript API
- Places API
- Geocoding API
- Directions API
Click Create (or Save if editing an existing key).
Important
It may take up to 5 minutes for restrictions to take effect. If your map does not load immediately after setup, wait a few minutes and clear your browser cache.
Step 3: Enable billing ​
Google requires a billing account to use the Maps APIs, even though they provide $200/month in free credits. This is to prevent abuse.
→ Enable billing on your Google Cloud project
Google offers a free trial with $300 in credits. After the trial, the $200/month Maps Platform free tier applies. For detailed pricing information, see our billing explained guide.
Step 4: Paste the key in WordPress ​
- In your WordPress admin, go to WP Google Street View → Settings.
- Paste your API key in the Google Maps API Key field.
- Click Save.
That's it. Your plugin is now connected to Google Maps.
Video walkthrough ​
Billing setup video ​
Troubleshooting ​
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Map shows "For development purposes only" | Your billing is not enabled. Enable it here. |
| Map shows "This page can't load Google Maps correctly" | Your API key is invalid or restricted incorrectly. Check the key restrictions. |
| Map loads on localhost but not on production | Add your production domain to the HTTP referrer restrictions. |
| "ApiNotActivatedMapError" in console | One or more required APIs are not enabled. Re-run the enable link. |