Gemini API embeddings return 403 project denied access despite enabled API and restricted key

Gemini API
1

Hello, I am requesting a manual review of my Gemini API project.

Project display name: Kron House OB Embedding
Project ID: kron-house-ob-embeddi..
Project number: 9973300763..

Use case:
A private, low-volume personal memory system. This is not a public service.

Configuration:

  • Backend: OpenAI-compatible API
  • Base URL: https://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/openai/
  • Model: gemini-embedding-001
  • Gemini API is enabled in Google Cloud Console
  • The API key is active and restricted to Gemini API
  • The key is bound to a service account and is not unrestricted

Observed behavior:

Exact error:

403 PERMISSION_DENIED
Your project has been denied access. Please contact support.

Ombre Brain error:
backend=api
model=gemini-embedding-001
base_url=https://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/openai/

The error occurred at approximately 2026-07-19 09:05.

Troubleshooting completed:

  • Confirmed the Gemini API is enabled
  • Confirmed the model name and Base URL
  • Confirmed the API key is saved correctly
  • Confirmed the API key is restricted to Gemini API
  • Confirmed the model list request succeeds
  • The failure occurs specifically on the embeddings request
  • No API key is included in this post

Could you please review the project and restore Gemini API embedding access if this is an account or project-level restriction?

2

Hello @Smp_Syamsuth ,

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. 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.

  2. If you’re on the free tier with no billing attached, you should consider setting up billing. In most cases this is enough to clear any flag on your account. Please note this will mean you lose your free tier quota.

We apologise if the above doesn’t resolve the problem for you. We’re working to improve our messaging in AI Studio and support processes to handle this better.