How to Create a Google Service Account for Google Play Subscriptions

Why do I need a Google Service Account?

To ensure that subscriptions purchased via Google Play renew automatically, you need to create a Google Service Account.

This also allows us to obtain the necessary permissions to perform app updates on your behalf.

To make the setup process as easy as possible, each step includes a visual reference (screenshot).

Step 1 – Google Cloud Console

1. Log in to the Google Cloud Console using the provided link.
2. Create a new project:
   • Click the dropdown menu in the top-left corner
   • Select “New Project”

3. Enter the project details:
   • Project name: Choose a suitable name
   • Organization: Enter your company name
   • If only “No organization” is available, select it
   • If prompted for billing, choose “My billing account”

Step 2 – Create a Service Account

1. Open the menu (top-left hamburger icon)
2. Navigate to:
   Service Accounts → Create Service Account
3. Enter the following details:
   • Service account name: PressMatrix Services

4. Click “Create and Continue”
5. Assign the role:
   • Basic → Service Account User (Owner)

6. Click “Done”

Step 3 – Enable APIs

1. Open the menu and go to:
   APIs & Services → Library

2. Search for:
   Google Play Android Developer API

3. Select the API and click “Enable”

4. Go back to the library and search for:
   Firebase Management API
5. Select it and click “Enable”

Step 4 – Create a Private Key

1. Go to:
   IAM & Admin → Service Accounts
2. Find your service account
3. Click the three dots (⋮) and select “Manage keys”

4. Click:
   Add Key → Create new key

5. Select:
   • JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
6. Click “Create”

7. The key file will be automatically downloaded to your computer

Step 5 – Invite User in Google Play Console

1. Open the Google Play Console
2. Navigate to:
   Users and Permissions
3. Click “Invite new user”

4. Go back to the Google Cloud Console
5. Copy the email address of your service account
   (it should start with pressmatrix-services)

6. Return to the Google Play Console and paste the email:
   • Under User details → Email address
7. Set permissions:
   • Account permissions → Administrator (all permissions)

This is required so we can continue updating your app.

Final Step

Please send the following to:

service@pressmatrix.de

• The service account email address
• The downloaded JSON key file

What happens next?

We will securely store your credentials in our system and activate automatic subscription renewals for your app.