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
Invite the service account in Play Console
Open Google Play Console > Users and permissions > Invite new users. Paste the service account's email address (the client_email value in the JSON key) and send the invitation with the permissions from the next step.
Older guides, including earlier versions of this one, sent you to Settings > Developer account > API access to link a Google Cloud project. Google no longer requires that link, and many accounts no longer show the page. Google's Play Developer API setup guide (last updated December 18, 2025; checked September 24, 2026) uses the invitation flow instead.
6
Configure permissions
Grant only what the integration needs, and limit it to the apps it manages. A listing and publishing tool such as AppDrift needs View app information (read-only), Manage store presence and Release to production, exclude devices, and use Play App Signing for the connected apps. Avoid Admin (all permissions) unless the integration really administers the account. Permission names follow Google's users and permissions reference, checked September 24, 2026.
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.
I can't find "API access" in Play Console
Solution: You don't need it. Google no longer requires linking a Google Cloud project to use the Play Developer API. Enable the API in the Cloud project that owns the service account, then invite the service account's email under Users and permissions and grant the app permissions it needs.
Service account not appearing in Play Console
Solution: The service account is not listed until you invite it. Add its email address under Users and permissions > Invite new users. If API calls still fail right after the invitation, confirm the permissions and app selection on its user page and retry later; changes can take time to apply.
Related
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Read guideFrequently Asked Questions
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