Connecting Google Gemini
This article covers obtaining a Google Gemini API key, fixing common errors, and keeping keys safe. Paste the key in Limb under Chatbot → AI Settings (see your AI Settings documentation for that flow).
Before you start: You need a Google account. Gemini access is managed through Google AI Studio and may be linked to a Google Cloud project; enable billing there if your usage or plan requires it.
Getting your Gemini API key
Work in Google’s tools:
- Open API keys in AI Studio — https://aistudio.google.com/app/apikey (sign in with Google).
- Create a key — use Create API key, link or create a Google Cloud project if prompted, and confirm.
- Copy and store it — treat it like a password. You can create additional keys or revoke old ones from the same page.
Important: If the key is rejected or quota errors appear, confirm the Cloud project has billing or the correct API enabled, and review Gemini pricing and limits for your region.
Troubleshooting
Invalid API key
- Paste the full key with no spaces or line breaks.
- Confirm the key is not disabled or rotated in AI Studio or Cloud.
- Check the Cloud project still has the Generative Language API enabled where applicable.
Quota, rate limit, or billing errors
- Review quotas in Google Cloud and usage in AI Studio.
- Billing must be active when your plan requires it.
- Wait for rate limit windows to reset if you burst traffic.
Was working, then stopped
- Check for revoked keys, project changes, or payment issues in Google Cloud.
- See Google Cloud status for widespread incidents.
Security best practices
- Never publish keys, paste them in public tickets, or commit them to Git.
- Use separate keys per environment when you can name or scope them clearly.
- Use Google Cloud budgets and alerts; review usage regularly.
- Revoke any key you believe is exposed and replace it in Limb.