## **🔍 Overview**

When enabling Google Search Console (GSC) indexing access in Search Atlas, you may encounter an error if the required Google Cloud Platform (GCP) credentials have not been configured correctly. This article walks you through generating a GCP JSON key and granting the Search Atlas service account the permissions it needs to connect successfully.

## **📋 Before You Begin**

Make sure you have the following ready before starting:

- A Google account with access to **Google Cloud Platform (GCP)**
- Owner or Editor access to the GCP project linked to your Google Search Console property
- Admin access to your Search Atlas account

## **⚙️ Step 1: Create or Select a GCP Project**

1. Go to **console.cloud.google.com** and sign in with your Google account.
2. In the top navigation bar, click the project selector and either choose an existing project or click **New Project** to create one.
3. Make sure the project is linked to the same Google account that manages your Search Console properties.

## **🔑 Step 2: Enable the Google Search Console API**

1. Inside your GCP project, navigate to **APIs & Services → Library**.
2. Search for **Google Search Console API** and click on it.
3. Click **Enable**. If it is already enabled, you will see a **Manage** button instead — no further action is needed here.

## **📄 Step 3: Create a Service Account**

1. In the left-hand GCP menu, go to **IAM & Admin → Service Accounts**.
2. Click **Create Service Account**.
3. Enter a name and an optional description, then click **Create and Continue**.
4. For the role, select **Owner** or **Editor** to grant sufficient permissions, then click **Continue**.
5. Click **Done** to finish creating the service account.

## **📥 Step 4: Generate a JSON Key**

1. On the **Service Accounts** page, click the service account you just created.
2. Go to the **Keys** tab and click **Add Key → Create New Key**.
3. Select **JSON** as the key type and click **Create**.
4. A JSON file will automatically download to your device. **Keep this file safe** — it contains sensitive credentials.

## **👥 Step 5: Add the Service Account to Google Search Console**

1. Open **Google Search Console** at search.google.com/search-console.
2. Select the property you want to connect to Search Atlas.
3. In the left sidebar, click **Settings → Users and permissions**.
4. Click **Add User** and enter the service account email address (ending in **@your-project-id.iam.gserviceaccount.com**).
5. Set the permission level to **Full** and click **Add**.

## **🚀 Step 6: Upload the JSON Key in Search Atlas**

1. Log in to Search Atlas and navigate to **Site Metrics → Site Explorer**, then click the GSC link to open **Manage Sites/Connect GSC Account** (/gsc/sites-list).
2. When prompted, upload the JSON key file you downloaded in Step 4.
3. Save your settings. Search Atlas will validate the credentials and establish the connection.
4. If the connection is successful, you will see a confirmation that GSC indexing access is enabled.

## **⚠️ Common Errors and Fixes**

- **Invalid credentials error:** Ensure the JSON file uploaded matches the service account that was added to Search Console. Re-download the key if needed.
- **Permission denied error:** Confirm the service account has been added to the correct Search Console property with **Full** access.
- **API not enabled error:** Return to GCP and verify the Google Search Console API is enabled for the correct project.
- **Wrong project selected:** Double-check that the GCP project, service account, and Search Console property are all associated with the same Google account.

## **💬 Need More Help?**

If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type **human teammate** to be connected with a member of our team.