Authorise Domain – Fixing Google Maps API Error: RefererNotAllowedMapError
Summary
If you see the “RefererNotAllowedMapError” in your browser console, it means Google Maps is blocking your site because your domain isn’t authorised in Google Cloud Console.
Fix it by logging in to your Google Cloud project, editing your API key restrictions, and adding your domain (with wildcards) under “HTTP Referrers.”
After saving, clear your cache and reload your map, it should now display correctly.
If it still doesn’t work, confirm your billing account is active and the correct API key is being used.
What You Need to Do to fix “Referer Not Allowed Map Error
If you’re seeing the following error on your website map, It means your site’s URL is not listed as an authorised referrer in your Google Cloud Platform settings. This prevents the map from loading correctly.
Google Maps JavaScript API error: RefererNotAllowedMapError
- Open Console in Dev Tools
- Rick Click on the page > Select Inspect
- Up the top of Chrome Dev Tools.
- Click on Console, (or the Red X on the right hand side of the page)
Step-by-Step Fix: Authorise your domain in the Google Cloud Console to resolve Maps Error
To fix this, you (or your developer) need to authorise your domain in the Google Cloud Console.
Step 1: Log into Google Cloud Console
Go to: https://console.cloud.google.com/
You must be logged in with the same Google account that manages your Maps API project.
*If you cant get access to this account The Quick Fix is to use a different Google Account, and create a new Maps API, and follow the next steps to authorise the domain. Then you would need to update the new API key on your website.
Step 2. Select the Correct Project
At the top of the page, click the dropdown to select the project linked to your Maps API key.
Step 3. Open API Credentials & Find your Key
- From the left-hand menu, go to APIs & Services > Credentials
- Find the API key you’re using on your website (the one mentioned in the error)
- The API key is mentioned in the error (highlighted in white and blue below)
Step 4. Edit the API Key Restrictions and Add Your Website as an Authorised Referrer
- Click the pencil icon next to the key
- Under Application restrictions, make sure “HTTP referrers (websites)” is selected
- In the referrer list, add: *.
yourdomainname.org.au/*
Important: The *. at the start covers all subdomains, and https/http versions, while/*at the end ensures all subpages (like/contact/) are covered.
Step 5. Save Your Changes, Clear Cache & Test the Map
Click Save to apply the new settings.
Refresh your website (and clear your cache if needed) to see if the map loads correctly.
Maps Still Not Working even after setting correct referring domain in API Key?
Ensure You’re Using the Correct API Key
Double-check that your site is referencing the same key listed in your Google Cloud Console.
Check Billing Account – Billing Status
- Go to Billing in the Cloud Console
- Make sure a valid billing account is connected to your project
- There must be no outstanding charges or suspended billing – Maps won’t work without active billing
Try Using your Servers IP Instead of Referrer
If your setup is more complex (e.g. proxying requests), you can:
- Set the Application restriction to “IP addresses”
- Add your server IP address instead of the website referrer
⚠️ Only use this if you know the map request is being made server-side (not common for basic sites).
Check Domain Authorisation (Branding & User Settings)
Some users have reported success by checking:
- Branding settings (e.g. OAuth consent screen > add domain to “Authorised domains”)
- User Type in the project is set to External if needed
Debug Test: Temporarily Disable API Restrictions (Troubleshooting Only)
If you’re not sure whether the Google Maps error is caused by referrer settings or an issue on your website (e.g. plugin conflict, broken embed code), you can temporarily disable API key restrictions to isolate the problem.
- Under Application Restrictions, select: None,
- Save changes Refresh your website map page (use an incognito window)
- If the map now loads, the issue is with referrer restrictions
- If the map still fails, the issue is likely on the website itself (e.g. theme, plugin, JavaScript conflict)
- Don’t Forget to Re-Enable Security – Re-select HTTP Referrers (websites) Add your domains and Save changes
⚠️ Important Warning – Only do this for short-term testing.
Disabling restrictions means anyone who finds your key can use it, which could lead to unexpected usage charges on your Google Cloud account.
Do not leave your key unrestricted in a live or production environment.
Need Help Fixing Google Maps on your website?
If you’re unsure which key is in use or need help updating your credentials, or you just want maps to show correctly? Start by contact the web developer or the team that set up your Google Maps integration if you have no luck there, Id love to help – Contact me (Vanessa) from Brighter Websites – I can even set up some pretty cool custom map integrations too!
