AI Access

Google AI Studio / Gemini API

Google's browser workspace and developer API for trying Gemini models, creating API keys, testing prompts, and moving selected experiments into code.

See how this access route works, what it asks you to set up, and which current terms to check before using it.

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May fit if

You want to try Gemini before wiring an app

Trying Gemini in a browser, learning the Gemini API, prototyping prompts, and testing Google model features before deciding on a paid path.

Access observed

Model-dependent free tier

Checked 30 August 2026: Google said new accounts begin on a Free Tier with access to certain models in AI Studio and the Gemini API, subject to model and account limits. Paid projects use a separate billing and data-use boundary.

What you will need

Google account, project, and API key for code

Sign in with a Google account, create or select a project, and use the API key created in AI Studio when moving from the playground into code. Existing standard keys may need migration to an authorization key.

The playground and API share a project boundary

AI Studio lets you test prompts and supported Gemini features in a browser, while the Gemini API carries those experiments into code. Model access and free-tier eligibility depend on the current project, region, and account state.

Limits and charges

Use the live project limits

Active limits depend on the model, project, usage tier, and account status. Paid access may use prepay or postpay billing, and a prepay project needs a positive credit balance. Check the project dashboard rather than relying on a saved number.

Your data and account

Free and paid projects have different data terms

Google says unpaid-service prompts and responses may be used to improve its products and may receive human review, with an exception for the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK. Paid services use a different data boundary. Do not send sensitive, confidential, or personal information to unpaid services.

Before relying on it

Check the project before the prompt

Google says new AI Studio keys now use authorization keys and standard keys are scheduled to stop working with the Gemini API in September 2026. Check the key type, billing state, spend controls, region, model status, and rate limits before relying on a project. Confirm the key type, model availability, region support, active limits, billing plan, credit balance or spend cap, data-use terms, and whether an experimental feature is suitable for work you plan to keep.

Check current information