How to Fix “ReferenceError: google is not defined” in Google Maps API

Google Maps API is a powerful tool for integrating interactive maps into your website. However, you might encounter the error:

ReferenceError: google is not defined

This error usually means that the Google Maps JavaScript API has not been properly loaded or initialized. If Google Maps works on your local environment but fails on your live website, follow this guide to diagnose and fix the issue.

Common Causes and Fixes

1. Ensure You Are Using the Correct API Key

Google Maps requires an API key to function. If you haven’t added an API key, update your script tag as follows:

<script async defer src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=YOUR_API_KEY"></script>

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual API key, which you can obtain from the Google Cloud Console.

Check API Key Restrictions

• Ensure your API key is not restricted to a different domain than your live website.
• Confirm that “Google Maps JavaScript API” is enabled in your Google Cloud Console.
• Verify that your key has not exceeded its usage quota.

2. Load the API Script Properly

To ensure that the API script is fully loaded before executing any Google Maps functions, use the callback parameter:

<script>
  function initMap() {
    var location = { lat: -34.397, lng: 150.644 };
    var map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("map"), {
      zoom: 8,
      center: location
    });
  }
</script>

<script async defer src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=YOUR_API_KEY&callback=initMap"></script>

Why use async defer?

• async allows the script to load asynchronously without blocking page rendering.
• defer ensures that the script executes after the HTML document is fully parsed.

3. Check for Console Errors

If the issue persists, open your browser’s DevTools (F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I in Chrome) and check the Console and Network tabs for errors.

Common Console Errors and Fixes

• InvalidKeyMapError: Ensure your API key is correct.
• RefererNotAllowedMapError: Check API key restrictions and allow your live domain.
• QuotaExceededError: Your API key might have reached its daily limit.

4. Ensure There Are No Conflicting Scripts

• Remove any duplicate Google Maps API script tags.
• Ensure that no JavaScript files interfere with the API loading process.

5. Disable Ad Blockers and Security Plugins

Some browser extensions and security settings can block Google Maps. Try:

• Disabling ad blockers.
• Testing in an incognito window or a different browser.

Conclusion

The “ReferenceError: google is not defined” error is usually caused by missing API keys, improper script loading, or API key restrictions. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to resolve the issue and ensure that Google Maps works correctly on your website.

If the problem persists, verify your API key settings in the Google Cloud Console and check for any JavaScript conflicts.

Additional Links

If you need more information, please review the following link: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/12249136/referenceerror-google-is-not-defined