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Generating Google Maps API Keys

Last modified: January 27, 2026

Follow the steps below to create the Browser API Key required for integrating Google Maps with WP Job Manager Geolocation. A Server API Key is also required for WP Job Manager and is covered later in this guide. This key enables essential features such as address autocomplete, map rendering, geocoding, distance-based job searches, and other location-aware functionality.

Setting Up Google Maps API Key

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console

2. Create a New Project or Select an Existing One

  • Click the Project Selector in the top navigation bar.
    Select a Google Maps Project
  • Choose an existing project or click New Project to create a new one.
  • Name your project and click Create.

3. Enable the Required Google Maps APIs

  • From the sidebar, go to APIs & Services → Library.
    Navigate to API Library
  • Search for and enable the following APIs:
    • Maps JavaScript API – required for map rendering.
    • Geocoding API – required for converting addresses into coordinates.
    • Places API (New) – required for address autocomplete.

    Optional: If your setup still relies on legacy autocomplete behavior (older plugin versions), you may also need to enable Places API (Legacy) by going to this page directly.

4. Create & Restrict Your Browser API Key

  • Go to APIs & Services → Credentials.
  • Click + Create Credentials → API Key.
  • Copy the generated key.
  • Click Restrict Key and configure:
    • Application Restrictions: Websites
    • Add your site URLs, for example:
      • https://example.com/*
      • https://staging.example.com/*
    • API Restrictions: Select:
      • Maps JavaScript API
      • Geocoding API
      • Places API (New)
      • Places API (Legacy) (only if required)

      If an API is enabled at the project level but not listed here, requests will be blocked by Google.

    Browser API Key Settings
  • Save your changes.

5. Create & Secure Your Server API Key

WP Job Manager uses a Server API Key to geocode job and resume locations when listings are
created or updated. This process runs on the server and is handled by WP Job Manager itself.

  • While still on the APIs & Services → Credentials page, click + Create Credentials → API Key.
  • Copy the generated key.
  • Click Restrict Key and configure the following:
    • Application Restrictions: Select IP addresses.
    • Add your server’s public IP address (your hosting provider can provide this).
    • API Restrictions: Enable:
      • Geocoding API
    Server API Key Settings
  • Save your changes.

Important: The Server API Key is configured in WP Job Manager → Settings → General, not in the WP Job Manager Geolocation plugin settings.

This key is used only for server-side geocoding when jobs or resumes are saved, and is separate from the Browser API Key used for maps and autocomplete.

Final Note

Correctly setting up your Google Maps API key ensures WP Job Manager Geolocation can provide accurate address autocomplete, map display, geocoding, and distance-based job searches.

  • The required APIs are enabled.
  • Your Browser API key is entered in the plugin settings.
  • Your website domain is correctly added under key restrictions.

For additional guidance, refer to the Google Maps API Documentation or the WP Job Manager Geolocation documentation.

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