WA.cr

Add a Google Maps key for addresses

Use your own Google Maps key for address search, suggestions and better location accuracy.

WA.cr can turn a typed address into a location on a map, and back again. That powers address search in the chat composer's Send location, and filling in a contact's coordinates from their saved address.

How addresses are looked up

One of three providers is used, in this order:

  1. A key your platform operator has shared with you — nothing for you to set up, and it takes priority over your own key.
  2. Your own Google Maps key — added under Settings → Maps.
  3. OpenStreetMap — the free default. It looks up an address when you press Enter, but it can't suggest addresses as you type.

Suggestions as you type only appear with a Google key.

Steps

  1. Open the Google Cloud console and create a key.
  2. Switch on the Geocoding API and the Places API for it.
  3. Restrict the key to your project, and ideally to just those two services.
  4. In WA.cr, open Settings → Maps, paste the key and press Save.
  5. Press Test to check it resolves a sample address.

Before you start

  • Google bills your own Google Cloud account for what your key uses. WA.cr only calls the two services above, and caches results to keep usage low.
  • Your key is stored encrypted and never shown again — you can replace or remove it at any time.
  • OpenStreetMap is a genuinely good default. Add a Google key when you want suggestions as you type, or better accuracy on hard-to-find addresses.

If it doesn't work

  • If Test fails, check both services are switched on for the key.
  • If suggestions still don't appear, your operator's shared key may be in use — it takes priority over yours.
  • If addresses resolve to the wrong place, confirm the key's restrictions aren't blocking the Places service.