Gemini API Key Issues: "AQ..." format generated instead of "AIzaSy" / GenerativeService requests blocked

Gemini API
1

Hello,

I am experiencing a persistent issue when generating and using Google AI Studio API keys.

  1. Format Issue: When attempting to generate an API key, AI Studio is generating credentials that start with AQ… instead of the traditional AIzaSy… format. These keys are not recognized by my applications or the Gemini integration.
  2. Blocked Requests Issue: When I manage to manually use an AIzaSy… key, my application returns the following error:
    Requests to this API generativelanguage.googleapis.com method google.ai.generativelanguage.v1beta.GenerativeService.GenerateContent are blocked.

What I have already checked:

  • The API key has no active API restrictions (it is unrestricted).
  • I have not restricted the key to any specific service account or platform, but the platform keeps forcing Vertex AI/Service Account-style credentials.
  • My billing and region settings are correct.

Could someone from the Google AI Studio team help me restore the default Google AI Studio key generation behavior for my account?

Thanks in advance!

2

Hi, 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!