How to Create Your Google Play Developer Service Account Key

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.
   

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.