Account restricted from generating AIza API keys — only generating AQ. tokens

Gemini API
1

Hello Google AI Developer Support Team,

I am writing to report an issue with my Google account that is preventing me from generating standard Gemini API keys (AIza…) in Google AI Studio.

Account email: ed.....@gmail.com

Issue description:
All API keys generated in my account — including in brand new projects — start with “AQ.” instead of the standard “AIza” prefix. This appears to indicate that my account has been flagged or restricted from generating standard API keys.

I have not intentionally exposed or misused any API key. I am a developer using the Gemini API for personal/development projects and I need access to standard API keys (AIza…) to continue my work.

What I have already tried:

  • Creating new Google Cloud projects
  • Generating new API keys in different projects
  • All results still produce AQ. tokens instead of AIza keys

Request:
Please review my account and restore the ability to generate standard API keys (AIza…) in Google AI Studio.

Thank you for your attention.

Best regards,
Edivaldo

2

i need the solution too if you find one can you please let me know

3

Go to GCP console and generate the AIza key.

4

Hi

You account has not been flagged for any security issue, but we are moving away from Traffic keys (Alza) and towards a more secure Authentication Key (AQ).

Are you facing any issues when using the new Authentication Keys when using gemini API ?

5

Thank you for the clarification! Yes, I am having issues using the AQ. authentication keys.

The problem is that the tools and SDKs I use (such as n8n, Make, and other platforms) only accept the standard AIza key format. When I enter the AQ. key, it returns an authentication error.

Is there a way to still generate AIza keys, or is there an updated guide on how to use AQ. keys with third-party tools that have not yet been updated to support the new format?"

6

I am having the same issue. Nothing works for me using the AQ api and I can’t generate any other API key so I have lost all my tools.

7

This is the announcement why ai studio now generate AQ. key

If you really need Alza key, you can still generate it using gcp console for client that only support old key format. My advice is upgrade your tools to utilize the new secured key. The granted permission for newer key is limited.

Please read

8

We are moving away from Traffic keys (Alza) and towards a more secure Authentication Key (AQ). AI Studio will now only generate Authentication Key (AQ) keys. More information on key usage can be found in the Using Gemini API keys documentation.

Please submit any compatibility issues with services / SDKs etc. in this form for our engineering team to review. Thanks!