How Do You Lock Down Your Google Maps API Key to Avoid Abuse and Extra Fees? (2025/579)

Google is urging website owners to “lock down” their Google Maps API keys to prevent unauthorized use — and unexpected charges. If your key is open, anyone who gets hold of it could run up usage on your account, pushing you past the free tier and into billable territory.

📌 In this episode, Charly covers:

✅ What the Google Maps API is and how it works with your site or app

✅ Why unrestricted API keys can lead to abuse and unexpected bills

✅ Step-by-step instructions to restrict a key by domain, subdomain, or app

✅ How to manage multiple API keys for different websites or purposes

🛡️ Protecting your API key is now more important than ever as Google monetizes more services. A few minutes spent adding restrictions can save you big headaches later.

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