Request for Review — Gemini API Free Tier Unavailable After Project Cleanup

Gemini API
1

Hello Google AI Developers Support Team,

I am requesting a review of my Google AI Studio project’s eligibility for the Gemini API Free Tier.

I use a personal Google account without a linked billing account or payment method.

I previously had multiple Google Cloud projects. I have now deleted the unnecessary projects and retained only one project for development.

I also created a new Gemini API key associated with the remaining project.

However, Google AI Studio still displays “Free tier unavailable”.

I have performed the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Removed unnecessary Google Cloud projects.

  2. Created a new API key for my remaining project.

  3. Successfully authenticated using the API key.

  4. Successfully retrieved the model list through the Gemini API.

  5. Tested the gemini-3.5-flash-lite model.

The generation request returns:

HTTP 403 — PERMISSION_DENIED

“The Gemini API free tier is not available for this project. To use the Gemini API, please set up billing to upgrade to the paid tier.”

I only intend to use the API for low-volume personal development and testing with Codex.

I would prefer to use the officially supported free tier without enabling paid billing.

Could you please clarify:

  1. Why is my remaining project ineligible for the free tier?

  2. Is the restriction related to my account, project eligibility, or verification requirements?

  3. Can my eligibility be manually reviewed?

  4. Is there a supported way to restore access without enabling billing?

I can provide my Project ID and screenshots privately if needed.

Thank you for your assistance.