---
title: "How to Create Your Google Play Developer Service Account Key for Your Learndash App"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/create-google-play-service-account-key/"
description: "Introduction Automate release management and revenue reporting in your Learndash App using the Google Play Developer API. This guide walks you through linking y…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "LearnDash"
date: "2025-09-22"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# How to Create Your Google Play Developer Service Account Key for Your Learndash App

## **Introduction**

Automate release management and revenue reporting in your Learndash App using the Google Play Developer API. This guide walks you through linking your Google Cloud project, creating a service account, generating a JSON key, and connecting it in the Learndash App plugin.

## **Linking Your Google Cloud Project**

1. In your WordPress admin, navigate to **Learndash App > Configure > Android Settings > Connect Your Google Developer Account**.
2. When prompted, choose **Link Existing Project** or **Create New Project** in the Google Cloud dialog.
3. Confirm your project is linked before proceeding.

## **Creating a Service Account**

1. From the **API Access** page in WordPress, click **Create New Service Account**.
2. In the Google Cloud popup, click the **Google Cloud Platform** link.
3. Select your project and click **Create Service Account**.
4. Enter a **Name** and click **Create**.
5. Under **Select a role**, choose **Basic > Owner**, then click **Continue**.
6. Click **Done** to finalize the service account setup.

## **Generating Your JSON Key**

1. Back on the **API Access** page, find your new service account and click **⋮ > Manage Keys**.
2. Click **Add Key > Create New Key**.
3. Select **JSON** for the key type and click **Create**.
4. **Note:** The key file will download immediately and only once. Store it securely.
5. Click **Done** to close the key management dialog.

## **Granting Play Console Permissions**

1. Still under **API Access**, click **Grant Access** next to your service account.
2. Enable the following permissions:  
    
    - View App Information & Download Financial Reports
    - View Financial Data, Orders, & Cancellations
    - Manage Orders & Subscriptions
    - Create/Edit/Delete Draft Apps
    - Release to Production
    - Exclude Devices & Use Play App Signing
    - Release Apps to Testing Tracks
    - Manage Testing Tracks & Tester Lists
    - Manage Store Presence
3. Click **Invite User** and then **Send Invite**.

## **Connecting Your Key in Learndash App**

1. In WordPress, go to **Learndash App > Configure > Settings > Developer Account API Access**.
2. Under **Connect Your Service Account**, click **Upload JSON Key** and select the downloaded file.
3. Click **Save Changes**.
4. Confirm the connection status shows **Connected**.

![Screenshot of how to connect your Google Developer Account](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/How-to-Create-Your-Google-Play-Developer-Service-Account-Key-for-Your-Learndash-App-_-1.png)## **Troubleshooting and FAQs**

**Q: I don’t see my project when linking.  
 A: Ensure you have **Owner** access in the Google Cloud project and you’re signed into the correct Google account.

**Q: The “Create Service Account” button is greyed out.  
 A: Verify billing is enabled on your Google Cloud project. Service accounts require an active billing setup.

**Q: My JSON key download failed or was lost.  
 A: You cannot re-download a key. Go to **Manage Keys** and **Create New Key** to generate a replacement.

**Q: API calls return “Unauthorized” after connecting.  
 A: Confirm the service account accepted the Play Console invite email and that the JSON file is correctly uploaded.

**Q: Certain API actions still fail despite “Owner” role.  
 A: Double-check Play Console permissions under **Account Permissions**, resend the invite, and ensure the service account email matches exactly.