1. Create a current key
Open Google AI Studio API Keys, sign in, choose or create a Google Cloud project, and create an API key. Google says new AI Studio keys are authorization keys. Prefer a new authorization key: Google plans to reject standard keys from September 2026.
2. Secure the project
Treat the key like a password. Do not email it, place it in screenshots, or commit it to source control. In AI Studio, restrict any legacy unrestricted standard key to the Gemini API only. Google notes that application-origin restrictions can block native app requests; if a restriction makes verification fail, use a separate current authorization key made for Snap It.
3. Connect Snap It
In first-run setup, paste the key and select Verify and Save. Snap It makes a direct verification request to Google. A successful key is stored only in the operating system credential store. Google API usage, quota, and billing remain attached to your Google project and are separate from the Snap It subscription.
4. Rotate or revoke
Create the replacement key first. In Snap It Settings, choose Change Gemini key, confirm your Snap It password, and verify the replacement. Test screen analysis and voice mode. Only then disable or delete the old key in AI Studio or Google Cloud Console. If a key may have leaked, rotate it immediately and review project usage and billing.
Quota, billing, and data terms
Gemini rate limits are applied per Google Cloud project, not per key, and vary by model and usage tier. A 429 RESOURCE_EXHAUSTED response means a request, token, daily, or spend limit was reached. Wait and retry, reduce request frequency, or review the project's active limits and billing. A Google consumer subscription such as Gemini Advanced does not provide Gemini API quota.
Google's free and paid API services can have different pricing and data-use terms. Review the current Gemini API pricing and Gemini API terms before sending sensitive content. Snap It cannot change Google's terms, limits, or charges.
What an error means
Invalid or revoked: the key was mistyped, deleted, expired, or revoked. Create or rotate it.
Disabled or restricted: the project, Gemini access, permissions, or key restrictions block the request. Review the key in AI Studio.
429 quota: Google accepted the key, but its project is rate-limited or out of quota. Check active limits and billing.
Unavailable: check the network and Google AI Studio status, then retry.
Official Google references
Using Gemini API keys
Gemini API rate limits
Google Cloud credentials
Still stuck? Contact contact@hellosnapit.com. Never include the key itself.