Gemini API 403 — “Your project has been denied access. Please contact support

Google AI Studio
1

Hello,

I need help identifying and resolving a Gemini API access denial.

Project ID: gen-lang-client-0431012..
Project name: Default Gemini Project
Model: gemini-3.8-flash
SDK: @google/genai
Date of test: September 17, 2026

A minimal request from the AI Studio preview/sandbox, using GEMINI_API_KEY and the prompt “Responde OK”, returned:

HTTP 403
status: PERMISSION_DENIED
message: “Your project has been denied access. Please contact support.”
details: empty

I verified in Google Cloud that:

  • Gemini API is enabled.
  • The replacement API key allows Gemini API.
  • Application restrictions are set to None.
  • The service account linked to the key is enabled.

The published application also reports HTTP 403, but its diagnostic currently replaces the original message with a generic description.

Could you review the project’s Gemini API access, or direct me to the appropriate support channel? Please identify any specific requirement or permission that needs correction.

I have not included any API keys or private credentials.

2

Hello @Alfredo_Excelmes ,

Getting a 403 API error response and / or seeing “Unavailable” next to your project in AI audio indicates a flag has been placed on your account. To proceed:

  1. If you’re on the free tier with no billing attached, please try the below steps:

  2. Check Model Availability & Rate Limits:

    • Ensure that the model you are requesting is available on your current plan. For example, not all models are available on the free tier. You can verify model availability, quotas, and limits on the AI Studio Rate Limit dashboard.

  3. Ensure you have completed age verification by navigating to Google Account Age Verification and verifying date of birth in Google Account Personal Info.

  4. Complete Phone Verification and turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) on the Google Account associated with your project.

  5. Once age, phone and 2sv are configured, retry your request or create a new API key in Google AI Studio.

  6. If completing these steps still does not restore access (or if using a model requiring a paid tier), you might want to consider adding prepayment credits directly in Google AI Studio and/ or attaching a Google Cloud Billing account in the Google Cloud Console. Please note this will mean you lose your free tier quota.

  7. If you are on a paid tier:

    1. Check for banners / error callouts in the AI Studio Projects page & the Billing page. Mostly these flags cause visible banners or other errors on these pages with concrete next steps / appeal links. You can also check the email address associated with your project for information on next steps.

    2. If your GCP project/ billing account is suspended, you must submit an appeal directly through the Google Cloud Console following the Project Suspension Guidelines (Help Center)