How to Set Up Google Maps API Keys

Overview

ShipperHQ uses Google APIs to provide address autocomplete and show In Store Pickup maps on checkout. For customers who want to display the map on checkout for In-Store Pickup, they’ll need to sign up for and enter a Google API Key for these features to function.

Please note that the map is only available on Magento 1, Magento 2, and Zoey. Customers on BigCommerce, WooCommerce, or Shopify DO NOT need Google API Key to use In-Store Pickup.

Steps to Configure Google Maps API

To create your API Key, enable necessary API services, set up billing and retrieve your API Key:

  1. Log into the Google Developer Console with your Google Account
  2. Click the drop down next to “Project” to create a new project
  3. Enter the Project Name “ShipperHQ” . If required, check the box next to the terms of service, and click “Create”.
  4. You’ll see a notification window showing that your project is being created and you can continue
  5. From the Library directory on the left panel, you should see a search bar to search all Google API’s
  6. Look under the APIs heading and click “View All”. This will take you to the API overview page.
    API_Library
  7. For In Store Pickup maps, you’ll need to click “Enable” button to turn on “Maps Static API”
  8. Repeat this for the “Google Maps JavaScript API” if you are using Magento 1
  9. Repeat this again for the “Google Places API Web Service” if you are using Address Autocomplete extension
  10. You should now see all three of these APIs listed on the Dashboard under API heading
  11. Click “Credentials” on the left hand menu and select “Create Credentials->API Key”
  12. API Credentials
  13. Select “API Key” button, as per the screenshot from #14 then, in the popup, dialog enter a name for this key. (You can optionally choose to limit which IP addresses can make requests using this key).
  14. DO NOT enable API key restrictions. Since ShipperHQ will be using your API key from our servers, you cannot implement URL or IP restrictions on them.
  15. Click “Close” button in the popup.
  16. Copy your API key and enter in ShipperHQ as explained below
  17. Set up billing for your new API key on the Google Dashboard. You will be unable to use the Google API keys unless billing is enabled.

Adding your Google API Key to ShipperHQ

To enter your newly created Google API Key in ShipperHQ:

  1. Log in to your ShipperHQ Dashboard
  2. Go to Advanced Features in the left-hand navigation
  3. Click on the feature In-store Pickup
  4. Choose the Settings tab
  5. Enter your Google API Key in the “Google API Key” field (see screenshot)
  6. Click the Apply button at the bottom of the page

Troubleshooting

If you find that you are experiencing inconsistencies with the location data, for example, if the nearest warehouse feature is not showing working or incorrect store pickup locations are being displayed here are some steps to troubleshoot.

API Key Restrictions

Due to the dynamic nature of ShipperHQ restrictions should not be defined when creating the API key (above).

Here is more information in this help article from Google on the restrictions you have enabled, that can cause an error:
https://developers.google.com/maps/faq#browser-keys-blocked-error
You should remove any restrictions on your API key as any IP or HTTP restrictions will prevent ShipperHQ from using the key.

If you could take action to remove this IP restriction and ensure Geocoding request works with your API key. You can test this by replacing your API key in the URL below then putting this into your browser address bar. It should return address results and NOT state “REQUEST DENIED”
e.g.
https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?sensor=false&address=7600+Knoll+Drive%2C+Dublin%2C+OH+43017+US+&language=en&key=<YOUR_API_KEY>;

Usage and Billing

Google have changed their API pricing and terms of use in a big way from June 11th 2018, with changes to both free usage limits, calculation of charges and their prices. Starting 16th July 2018 billing details must be entered on your account.

Read more about these changes from Google

Any Google accounts without billing set up account are also restricted by a limited quantity of API requests and may see watermarks on your map display.

You can read more about the usage limits and follow a link to setup billing on Google’s API Usage and Billing page.

Please note that this billing is independent of ShipperHQ.

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