API is short for "application programming interface." Third-party plugins for Wordpress, Shopify, Magento, and others use Google Maps Platform APIs to request data and functionality from Google Maps Platform for use on third-party sites.

An API key is a unique authentication credential that will allow the third-party plugin to make requests to Google Maps Platform on your behalf, which gives you access to mapping features and functionality.

The Maps JavaScript API, Places API, and Directions API are the Google Maps Platform APIs that are most commonly used by third-party plugins. The Quick Start Widget that you use to generate an API key for the plugin automatically enables these and other APIs, allowing the plugin to load maps, retrieve place data, and generate directions on your behalf.

If you are using an existing API key, be sure those APIs are enabled.

You can view which APIs are enabled for your Google Cloud project by going to the Google Maps Platform APIs page in the Google Cloud Console.

APIs that are currently enabled are listed under "Enabled APIs."

APIs that are currently disabled are listed under "Additional APIs."

You can enable or disable Google Maps Platform APIs at any time by going to the Google Maps Platform APIs page in the Google Cloud Console.

To disable an API, click the name of the API you want to disable in the "Enabled APIs" list, then click the Disable button at the top of the page.

To enable an API, click the name of the API you want to enable in the "Additional APIs" list, then click the Enable button.

Google Maps Platform automatically credits $200 in usage every month, at no charge, to the billing account associated with your Google Cloud project.

Usage is charged per request made to Google Maps Platform APIs, such as requesting map loads, directions, and Place information. The cost per request varies based on the type of request and total number of monthly requests. For more information, check out our pricing calculator.