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Using Google Service Account with Epic Backup

· 2 min read
Mahmudur Rahman
Mahmudur Rahman
Founder of EpicLabs23

To create a Google Service Account and use it for Google Drive API, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a Google Cloud Project​

  1. Go to the Google Cloud Console.
  2. Click on the project drop-down at the top and select "New Project".
  3. Enter a project name (e.g., Drive API Project).
  4. Click "Create" and wait for the project to be created.

Step 2: Enable Google Drive API​

  1. Inside the Google Cloud Console, go to "APIs & Services" > "Library".
  2. Search for Google Drive API and click on it.
  3. Click "Enable".

Step 3: Create a Service Account​

  1. Go to "IAM & Admin" > "Service Accounts".
  2. Click "Create Service Account".
  3. Enter a Service Account Name (e.g., drive-api-service).
  4. Click "Create and Continue".
  5. Assign the role "Editor" or "Owner" (or select "Cloud Storage Admin" if needed).
  6. Click "Continue", then "Done".

Step 4: Generate JSON Key​

  1. In the Service Accounts list, click on the created service account.
  2. Go to the "Keys" tab.
  3. Click "Add Key" > "Create new key".
  4. Select "JSON" and click "Create".
  5. A JSON file will be downloaded—this contains your service account credentials.

Step 5: Share Google Drive Access with Service Account​

  1. Open Google Drive.
  2. Create a folder where the service account will store files.
  3. Right-click on the folder > "Share".
  4. Copy the email from the service account JSON file (it looks like your-service@your-project.iam.gserviceaccount.com).
  5. Paste it into the Share with people and groups field.
  6. Set permissions to "Editor" and click "Send".

Step 6: Use Service Account in Code​

You can now use the JSON key file in your application to authenticate with Google Drive API.

Reference: https://support.google.com/a/answer/7378726