•3 min read

How to Set Up Google Gemini API Key for Free Voice Transcription in HeyRaven

Want unlimited voice transcription at absolutely no cost? Google Gemini offers a generous free tier that's perfect for HeyRaven users who want powerful voice typing without spending a cent.

Best of all, no credit card required—just sign in with your Google account and start typing with your voice in under 5 minutes.

Why Choose Google Gemini API?

Completely Free

Google AI Studio provides free access to Gemini API with no credit card required. You can start using it immediately after signing in with any Google account.

No Setup Hassle

The entire process takes less than 5 minutes:

  • Sign in with Google
  • Click "Get API key"
  • Copy and paste into HeyRaven
  • Done!

Generous Free Tier

While the free tier has some rate limits, it's more than enough for most users:

  • Perfect for personal use
  • Great for students and writers
  • Ideal for trying voice typing without commitment

Advanced AI Technology

Google Gemini leverages cutting-edge AI technology for accurate voice transcription across multiple languages and accents.

How to Get Your Free Gemini API Key

Step 1: Visit Google AI Studio

  1. Open your browser and go to aistudio.google.com
  2. You'll see the Google AI Studio homepage

Step 2: Sign In with Google

  1. Click "Get started" or "Sign in"
  2. Use any Google account to sign in (personal Gmail, Workspace, etc.)
  3. If this is your first time, you'll be asked to accept the Terms of Service for Generative AI

Simply check the box and click "Continue" to proceed.

Step 3: Get Your API Key

Once you're signed in:

  1. Look for the "Get API key" button in your dashboard
  2. Click it to open the API key creation dialog
  3. Choose one of two options:
    • Create API key in new project: Best for first-time users
    • Create API key in existing project: If you already have a Google Cloud project

For most users, selecting "Create API key in new project" is the easiest option.

  1. Your API key will be auto-generated instantly!

Step 4: Copy Your API Key

Your new API key will look something like this:

AIzaSyXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Important: Copy this key immediately and store it somewhere safe—treat it like a password. While you can always view it again in Google AI Studio, it's best to save it securely in a password manager.

Adding Your Gemini API Key to HeyRaven

Now that you have your API key, adding it to HeyRaven is simple:

  1. Open HeyRaven on your device (iOS or macOS)
  2. Navigate to Settings
  3. Find "Custom API Keys" or "Transcription Settings"
  4. Select "Google Gemini" as your provider
  5. Paste your API key in the designated field
  6. Save your settings

That's all! HeyRaven will now use your free Google Gemini API for voice transcription.

Understanding the Free Tier Limits

The free tier through Google AI Studio provides immediate access but has some limitations:

  • Rate limits: Designed for personal use and testing
  • Perfect for: Students, writers, casual users, and anyone trying voice typing for the first time
  • No cost: Completely free, no hidden charges, no credit card required

Note: If you find you need higher limits, you can always upgrade to a paid tier or switch to OpenAI Whisper API (which starts at just $0.006 per minute).

Security and Privacy Best Practices

Keep Your API Key Private

  • Never share your API key publicly
  • Don't commit it to version control (like Git)
  • Don't post it on forums or social media
  • Store it securely in a password manager

Regenerate If Compromised

If you accidentally expose your API key:

  1. Go back to aistudio.google.com
  2. Navigate to your API keys
  3. Delete the compromised key
  4. Create a new one
  5. Update HeyRaven with the new key

Your Voice Data

When you use your own API key, your voice data is sent directly to Google and processed according to their privacy policy. Google does not use Gemini API data to train their models.

Use the Same Key Across All Your Devices

One of the best features of using a custom API key is that you can use it across all your devices:

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Mac
  • Any other device running HeyRaven

Simply add the same Gemini API key to each device, and you're good to go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I really not need a credit card?

A: Correct! Google AI Studio's free tier requires no credit card information. Just sign in with your Google account and start using it immediately.

Q: What happens if I exceed the free tier limits?

A: If you hit the rate limits, you'll need to wait before making more requests, or you can consider upgrading to a paid tier for higher limits.

Q: Can I use this for commercial purposes?

A: The free tier is primarily designed for personal use, testing, and development. For commercial use, please review Google's terms of service and consider their paid tiers.

Q: How do I check my API usage?

A: You can monitor your API usage directly in Google AI Studio by viewing your project's usage dashboard.

Q: What if I need more capacity?

A: If the free tier isn't enough, you have two options:

  1. Upgrade to a paid Gemini tier for higher limits
  2. Switch to OpenAI Whisper API in HeyRaven (pay-as-you-go at $0.006/minute)

Q: Can I switch between Gemini and OpenAI Whisper?

A: Absolutely! HeyRaven allows you to configure both API keys and switch between them anytime in Settings.

Get Started with Free Voice Typing Today

Setting up your Google Gemini API key is the fastest way to unlock unlimited voice typing in HeyRaven—completely free, no credit card required, and ready in under 5 minutes.

Whether you're a student taking notes, a writer drafting your next novel, or a professional managing emails and documents, free voice typing with Gemini and HeyRaven makes your workflow faster and more efficient.

Download HeyRaven today and start voice typing for free with Google Gemini!

HeyRaven: Free Voice Typing for Everyone

← Back to Blog