# Get an API key from Google (Gemini)

> Gemini API key from Google, step by step: create the key in Google AI Studio, set up billing, cap the month's spend, and connect it to Runner.

Canonical: https://www.runtheworld.ai/guides/gemini-api-key

Updated: 2026-10-20

## Create the key in Google AI Studio

Gemini API keys are made in Google AI Studio, and every key belongs to a Google Cloud project, which is what Google bills. If you're new to Google Cloud, AI Studio makes a default project for you. If you already have a Google Cloud account it doesn't, and you bring a project in from Dashboard, then Projects, with Import projects.

## Set up billing on the key's project

Setting up billing moves the project from Google's Free Tier to its Paid Tier, which Google describes as the way to ensure your prompts and responses are not used to improve Google products.

## Set a monthly spend cap at Google

Google sets spend caps per project, and anyone with the project's editor, owner or admin role can set one.

## Paste the key into Runner, under Settings, then LLM providers

The key belongs to your Runner organization, so every product in it can use the key, and only an owner or admin can connect one. Runner encrypts it before storing it and never shows it again.

A key you connect is used before credits, even on AI included.

## Keep the key secret, and keep it to Gemini

Google's first rule is to treat your Gemini API key like a password. Restricting it to the Gemini API also limits the damage if it ever leaks.

- Never check it into source control, such as Git.
- Never put it in a website or an app that people download.
- Set up billing alerts in the Google Cloud console, so a spike in use or cost reaches you.
- Paste it only into Runner's key box, never into a chat, an email or a support ticket.

## Swap the key for a new one, or switch it off

Google's order for replacing a key is to make the new one, move to it, and only then disable or delete the old one, so nothing stops in between.

## Rather not make a key at all?

With AI included, your team runs on the AI credits your plan includes, with nothing to set up: no API keys, no vendor accounts, no billing with an AI company.

Every plan comes two ways, AI included or your own key, and you can change your choice later in Settings.