Gemini API returns 403 PERMISSION_DENIED on a newly created project

Gemini API
1

Hello Google Gemini API team,

I am trying to use the Gemini API for a personal note organization and summarization workflow.

I created a Google Cloud project, enabled the Gemini API, imported the project into Google AI Studio, and created API keys from both Google Cloud Console and Google AI Studio. However, all API calls return the same 403 error.

Error response:

{
  "error": {
    "code": 403,
    "message": "Your project has been denied access. Please contact support.",
    "status": "PERMISSION_DENIED"
  }
}

Model tested: gemini-2.5-flash

I have already confirmed the following:

  • The Gemini API is enabled in Google Cloud Console.

  • Google AI Studio can see/import the project.

  • Google AI Studio can create API keys for this project.

  • Both the Google Cloud Console key and the Google AI Studio key return the same 403 error.

  • The API key application restriction was set to None during testing.

  • The API restriction was set to Gemini API.

  • The issue occurs with a minimal direct REST request, not only through Obsidian or any third-party plugin.

  • The Google Cloud project shows “Set up billing” / “Unavailable” under billing tier in AI Studio, but the API error is 403 PERMISSION_DENIED rather than a billing or free-tier error.

Could you please check whether this project or account has been incorrectly denied access to the Gemini API, and advise how to restore access?

I can provide the project number privately if needed.

Thank you.

2

same issue, cant seem to find a solution

3

Hello Everyone,

Sorry to hear about this. We’re treating this as a potential bug in Gemini API. Could you please enter the details of projects receiving unexpected 403 errors into this form?