Gemini API key start from AQ

Gemini API
1

I’m experiencing an issue where my Google account can no longer generate standard AIza prefix API keys in Google AI Studio or Google Cloud Console. All newly created keys — across all my projects — only generate AQ. prefix keys.

The AQ. keys do not work with third-party integrations that require the standard AIza format and throw 401 error(specifically Claude Desktop, which uses the google-generative-ai transport).

I did not have any key leaks or security incidents that I’m aware of. I have tried:

  • Creating new keys in AI Studio

  • Creating new keys in Google Cloud Console

  • Creating new projects and generating keys there

All result in AQ. prefix keys only.

Could you please advise on how to restore AIza key generation for my account, or confirm whether this is a permanent restriction?

2

Hello @Rashmika_Patel ,

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!

3

Documentation is not enough and I have tried all the possible way to generate images in my project but no result.