Gemini API 403 (PERMISSION_DENIED)

Is there an outage right now?

Gemini API / AI Studio official status is operational. If this error persists, it is likely an implementation or environment issue on your side.

View Gemini API / AI Studio status

What this error means

403 means permission denied: API not enabled, key restrictions, no billing, or region limits.

Common causes

  • Generative Language / Vertex API not enabled
  • API key restrictions (referrer/IP/API)
  • Billing not set up
  • Unsupported region
  • Project/permission mismatch

How to fix

  1. 1.Enable the API in Google Cloud
  2. 2.Review/relax API key restrictions
  3. 3.Enable billing
  4. 4.Check region/project
  5. 5.Check service account permissions

When waiting helps (and when it won't)

403 is a permission/config issue—waiting will not help. Review API enablement, key restrictions, and billing.

Alternatives when Gemini API / AI Studio is down

OpenAI APIClaude APIMistral APIGroq API

Related errors

FAQ

What is 403 PERMISSION_DENIED?

403 means permission denied: API not enabled, key restrictions, no billing, or region limits.

How do I fix 403 PERMISSION_DENIED?

Enable the API in Google Cloud / Review/relax API key restrictions / Enable billing / Check region/project / Check service account permissions