How to Create Your Google Play Developer Service Account Key

Introduction

Automate release management and revenue reporting in your BuddyBoss App by using the Google Play Developer API. This guide walks you through linking your Google Cloud project, creating a service account, and generating a JSON key with everything focused on creating the Service Account Key you need to connect via the BuddyBoss App plugin.

Tutorial Video

Linking Your Google Cloud Project

1. In your WordPress admin, navigate to BuddyBoss App > Configure > Settings > Developer Account API Access.
   
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 (e.g., “MyBuddyBossApp”) 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.
   

Note: This immediately downloads your key file. You’ll only get one download. Store it securely.

4. 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 these 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 BuddyBoss App

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

Troubleshooting & 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.