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Overview

The Gemini BYOK connector lets you use your own Google API key with Workshop. Usage is billed directly by Google.
Published apps use your API key. If you publish a Workshop app that uses this connector, visitors make requests using your key. You will be billed by Google for all usage.
Don’t have an API key? Use a Workshop-managed Gemini connector instead — no API key needed, usage billed to your Workshop credits.

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What You’ll Need

CredentialDescriptionFormat
Google API KeyAPI key for Google Gemini accessAIza...

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Getting an API Key

1

Open Google AI Studio

Go to aistudio.google.com/app/apikey and sign in with your Google account.
2

Create a key

Click Create API key. Select an existing Google Cloud project or create a new one.
3

Copy the key

Copy your API key immediately. It starts with AIza followed by a string of characters. While you can view keys again in Google AI Studio, store it securely right away.

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Connecting to Workshop

1

Open the Hub

Open the Workshop Hub from the sidebar.
2

Go to Connectors

Click the Connectors tab.
3

Select Gemini

Click the Gemini (your API key) card.
4

Enter details

Enter a Connection Name (e.g., “My Gemini API”) and paste your Google API Key.
5

Save

Click Add Connection.
Your Gemini connection is now active and available across all conversations.

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Verifying Your Connection

Ask Workshop: 
Use Gemini to explain the concept of machine learning in simple terms
If Workshop returns a Gemini-generated response, your connection is working.

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Security Best Practices

  • Your API key is stored in Workshop’s encrypted storage — never shared with the AI agent directly
  • Restrict your key in the Google Cloud Console: limit it to only the Generative Language API and add IP or referrer restrictions if needed
  • If you suspect a key is compromised, delete it in Google AI Studio and create a new one
Free tier data usage: Content processed through the free tier may be used by Google to improve their products. If you’re working with sensitive data, consider using a paid tier.

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Troubleshooting

IssueSolution
”API key not valid”Verify the full key was copied and starts with AIza. Check it hasn’t been deleted.
”Permission denied”Check API restrictions in Google Cloud Console. Ensure the Generative Language API is enabled.
”Quota exceeded”Wait for limits to reset or upgrade your tier. Monitor usage in the Cloud Console.

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