Review of free-tier eligibility for a restricted Gemini API project

Gemini API
1

Hello,
On 20 September 2026, I created the dedicated project youtube-canal-infantil-509218 and one API key restricted to Gemini API.

Google Cloud confirms that the project has no linked billing account. AI Studio displays an unavailable quota tier and says that API access for the project is restricted, asking me to configure billing.

The key exists and its metadata shows it as available. I have not made an API request using this new key, so I do not have an HTTP error code to report.

I want to use only the free tier, without enabling billing, adding a payment method or purchasing credits. Please confirm whether this project is eligible and whether there is an account-verification or project-access requirement I can resolve without enabling paid billing.

Please review the restriction or direct me to the appropriate support channel. I will not provide the API key or other secrets.
Thank you.

2

Hi,

im also running into a simular issue, i have the free gemini api and it got restricted
with them asking to fill out billing information. it says: “Project quota tier unavailable. Please contact your project administrator for assistance.”

if someone could help me here i would really appreciate it.

Cheers.

3

Hello @YCI_509218 @Rowan ,

Could you try doing the below steps?

Complete Phone Verification on your Google Account. Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV). Complete Age Verification to ensure your account profile is fully verified.

If this doesn’t unblock your access, you should consider upgrading to a paid plan. You could add prepayment credits directly in Google AI Studio and/ or by attaching an active billing account in the Google Cloud Console.