Google Map may not work correctly

If your store map displays an error such as "This map may not work correctly" or "For development purposes only" on a darkened map, it indicates that Google has temporarily disabled your Maps key.

This normally occurs due to a billing issue and can be resolved pretty quickly.

Why This Happens & How to Fix It

1. Your Free Trial Ended

When you first set up Google Maps, you got a 90-day free trial or $300 in usage credits—whichever comes first. Once you hit that limit, Google pauses your Maps until you activate billing.

Here’s what to do:

• Use this link to activate billing.

• Log in to your Google Cloud dashboard and look for an “Upgrade” button or a banner about your trial ending.

• Set up billing alerts or usage limits to avoid surprises.

Good news: Even after upgrading, Google gives you $200 in free monthly credits—enough for most store locators with under 10,000 visits a month.

2. No Billing Account Linked

If your Maps key was created before 2018, it might your account is not linked to a payment method. To fix this, you need to link a payment method.

3. Outdated Billing Details

If your card has expired or is invalid, update your payment info in the Billing section of your Google dashboard.

Other Causes

For less common issues, refer to Google’s troubleshooting guide.