How to Get the Gemini API Key for Free Using Google Cloud - Chrome Extension

How to Get the Gemini API Key for Free Using Google Cloud (For Chrome Extension)

To use our Chrome extension, you’ll need an API key for Google’s Gemini AI model. While the API is a paid service, Google Cloud offers $300 in free credits, which can cover the initial costs. Here's how to get the API key and use it without any upfront expenses.

1. Sign Up for Google Cloud and Get Free Credits

1. Sign Up for Google Cloud

   • Head over to Google Cloud and sign in with your Google account.
   • New users automatically receive $300 in free credits upon signing up.

2. Free Credits Usage

   • These $300 credits are valid for 90 days and can be used to access paid services on Google Cloud.
   • No charges will be made until the free credits are used up. After the credits are exhausted, further usage will be billed, so it's important to keep track of your credit balance to avoid unexpected charges.

2. Get Your Gemini API Key via AI Studio

1. Access AI Studio

   • Go to AI Studio and log in with your Google account.
   • AI Studio is where you can experiment with Google’s AI tools, including Gemini.

2. Setting Up the API Key

   • In AI Studio, navigate to the 'Settings' tab.
   • From there, go to 'API Key Management' where you can generate your Gemini API key.

3. Free vs Paid Options

   • Gemini API offers both free and paid options. While many of the more advanced features are paid, you can use the $300 Google Cloud credit to cover the costs of paid API requests.
   • This allows you to test out the full functionality of Gemini AI without worrying about upfront fees.

4. Generate the API Key

   • Click on ‘Create API Key,’ and a new API key will be generated for you.
   • Be sure to save this key securely, as you’ll need it to access Gemini’s services.

3. Use Google Cloud Credits to Cover Gemini API Costs

1. Applying the Free Credits

   • Each time you use the Gemini API, charges will be incurred based on your usage. However, Google Cloud will deduct these charges from the $300 credit first.
   • As long as you have credits remaining, you won’t be charged any additional fees.

2. Post-Credit Billing

   • Important: Once your free credits are fully used up, your Google Cloud account will remain active, and any further API requests will incur charges.
   • You can monitor your credit balance in the Google Cloud Console, and make sure to review your billing settings to manage potential future costs after the credits are depleted.

4. Input Your API Key into the Chrome Extension

1. Using the API Key
   • Once you’ve generated your Gemini API key, copy it and input it into the appropriate field in the Chrome extension settings.
   • After the key is added, the extension will be able to use Gemini AI’s capabilities.

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By following these steps, you can get your Gemini API key for free using Google Cloud’s credits, and use it within our Chrome extension without any initial expenses. Just remember, after the $300 credit runs out, additional usage will be billed, so keep an eye on your balance. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!