Play Store

Overview

This guide walks you through creating a Google Cloud service account, generating a JSON credentials file, and connecting it to your Google Play Console app so Gapex can read and reply to your app’s reviews.

Prerequisites

• A Google account with access to Google Cloud Console
• Access to Google Play Console with admin permissions for your app

1. Access Google Cloud Console

Step 1: Open Google Cloud

Open your browser and go to cloud.google.com.

Step 2: Click Console

Click Console in the top-right corner of the page.

2. Create a Google Cloud Project

Step 3: Click Select a Project

Click Select a project in the top navigation bar.

Step 4: Click New Project

In the project selector dialog, click New Project.

Step 5: Enter Project Name

Enter a project name (e.g., Gapex Play Store) and click Create.

Step 6: Select the New Project

Click Select a project again and choose the project you just created.

3. Create a Service Account

Step 7: Look for IAM and admin

Navigate to IAM & Admin → Service Accounts.

Step 8: Open Navigation Menu

Click the hamburger menu (☰) in the top-left corner and find Service account.

Step 9: Click Create Service Account

Click Create Service Account at the top of the page.

Step 10: Enter Service Account Name

Enter a name for the service account (e.g., gapex-playstore) and click Continue.

Step 11: Skip Optional Steps

You can skip the optional “Grant this service account access” and “Grant users access” steps. Click Continue.

Then click on Done.

Step 12: Copy Service Account Email

You will see the service account listed. Copy the email address — you will need it later for Google Play Console.

4. Generate Service Account Key (JSON)

Step 13: Open Service Account Actions

Click the three dots (⋮) in the Actions column.

Step 14: Click Manage Keys

From the dropdown menu, click Manage keys.

Step 15: Click Add Key

Click Add key.

Click Create new key.

Step 16: Select JSON and Create

Select JSON as the key type and click Create.

Step 17: Download JSON File

The JSON credentials file will be automatically downloaded to your computer. Keep this file safe — you will upload it to Gapex.

5. Enable Google Play Android Developer API

Step 18: Go to APIs & Services

In the left sidebar, navigate to APIs & Services → Library.

Step 19: Open API Library

You will see the API Library welcome screen. Click on the search bar.

Step 20: Search for Google Play Android Developer API

In the API Library search bar, type Google Play Android Developer API.

Step 21: Select the API

Click on Google Play Android Developer API from the search results.

Step 22: Enable the API

Click the Enable button.

6. Add Service Account to Google Play Console

Step 23: Open Google Play Console

Go to play.google.com/console and sign in.

Step 24: Go to Users and Permissions

In the left sidebar, click Users and permissions.

Step 25: Click Invite New Users

Click Invite new users.

Step 26: Paste Service Account Email

Paste the service account email address you copied in Step 12.

Step 27: Set Permissions

Under Permissions, select the app you want to connect. Grant the following permissions: Admin(all permission)

Click Invite to add the service account.