Navigate to console.cloud.google.com and sign in with the Google account that owns your Google Play Developer account. Select or create a Google Cloud project to host the API credentials.
Google Play Console
Setting Up Google Play Developer API Access
Step-by-step guide to enabling the Google Play Developer API. Learn how to enable the API in Google Cloud Console, create credentials, and connect them to your Play Console account.
7 steps2 min read
1
Open Google Cloud Console
Tip: Use a dedicated Google Cloud project for Play Console integrations to keep credentials organized and permissions isolated.
2
Enable the Google Play Developer API
In the Google Cloud Console, go to APIs & Services > Library. Search for "Google Play Android Developer API" and click Enable. This activates the API for your project so you can create credentials to access it.
3
Create a service account
Navigate to APIs & Services > Credentials > Create Credentials > Service Account. Provide a name (e.g., "AppDrift Integration") and description. On the role selection screen, you can skip roles for now—permissions are configured in Play Console, not Google Cloud.
4
Generate a JSON key file
After creating the service account, click on it in the Credentials list. Go to the Keys tab > Add Key > Create new key > select JSON. The key file downloads automatically. Store it securely—it contains the credentials needed to authenticate API requests.
Tip: The JSON key file is as sensitive as a password. Never commit it to version control or share it via email.
5
Link the service account to Play Console
Open Google Play Console > Settings > Developer account > API access. If this is your first time, you may need to link your Google Cloud project. Find your service account in the list and click Grant access.
6
Configure permissions
Assign the appropriate permissions to the service account. For tools like AppDrift that manage metadata and publishing, grant Admin (all permissions) at the account level, or scope to specific apps with Release manager and Store presence permissions.
7
Test the connection
Use the JSON key file in your integration tool to verify the connection works. In AppDrift's Google Play setup, upload the JSON key file in the dashboard and click "Test Connection" to confirm API access is configured correctly.
Common Errors & Solutions
"The caller does not have permission" error
Solution: The service account needs permissions granted in both Google Cloud and Google Play Console. Verify the API is enabled and that Play Console has granted access to the service account.
API access page shows "Create new project" instead of existing project
Solution: You need to link your Google Cloud project to Play Console first. Click "Link" and select the project where you enabled the API.
Service account not appearing in Play Console
Solution: It can take up to 24 hours for a new service account to appear in Play Console after creation. If it still does not appear, verify the Google Cloud project is linked correctly.
Related
Related Guides
Creating and Configuring a Service Account for Google Play Automation
Detailed guide to creating a Google Cloud service account for Google Play Console automation. Configure permissions, manage keys, and set up secure access for third-party tools.
Read guideRunning A/B Tests with Google Play Store Listing Experiments
Learn how to set up and run A/B tests on your Google Play Store listing. Test icons, screenshots, descriptions, and feature graphics to optimize conversion rates.
Read guideUsing Managed Publishing for Coordinated Google Play Releases
Learn how to use Google Play Console's managed publishing feature. Control exactly when updates go live, coordinate multi-market launches, and avoid accidental releases.
Read guideFrequently Asked Questions
Automate this with AppDrift
Skip the manual work
AppDrift connects to your Google Play Console to automate metadata publishing, screenshot management, and localization across 40+ languages. Set up once, publish everywhere.
Get Started FreeFree to start · No credit card