Trouble with Google Sheets API Authentication

Other Questions Google Sheets
1 
I'm facing issues while trying to authenticate with the Google Sheets API using PHP. I followed the quickstart guide, but an error popped up. The error message is as follows:

Fatal error: Uncaught Google_Service_Exception: 
{
  "error": {
    "code": 403,
    "message": "The request is missing a valid API key.",
    "errors": [
      {
        "message": "The request is missing a valid API key.",
        "domain": "global",
        "reason": "forbidden"
      }
    ],
    "status": "PERMISSION_DENIED"
  }
}

The issue points to the REST.php file where it seems the API key is not recognized. Has anyone encountered this error? Any suggestions to resolve this would be really helpful!
2

I’ve dealt with this exact problem before, and it can be a real headache. One thing that often gets overlooked is the client_email field in your service account JSON file. Make sure it’s correctly set and matches what’s in your Google Cloud Console. Also, don’t forget to share the Google Sheet you’re trying to access with the email address in your service account. That’s a common gotcha that causes 403 errors.

Another tip: check your PHP version. Some older versions have issues with certain Google API calls. I had to upgrade to PHP 7.4 to get everything working smoothly.

If all else fails, try using a different authentication method. Sometimes switching from API keys to OAuth2 or vice versa can solve these persistent auth issues. It’s a bit more work, but it might just do the trick.

3

I’ve encountered this issue before, and it can be frustrating. One often overlooked step is properly setting up the credentials.json file. Ensure it’s in the correct directory and contains the right client ID and client secret. Also, check if you’re using the correct scopes for your application. Sometimes, the error message can be misleading, and the real issue is with scope permissions rather than the API key itself. If you’ve verified all these and still face issues, try regenerating your credentials entirely. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it often resolves mysterious authentication problems.

4

hey there, i had a similar issue. make sure you’ve enabled the sheets API in your google cloud console and double-check that you’re using the correct credentials (API key or OAuth). also, verify that your key isn’t restricted to specific IP addresses or referrers. hope this helps!