# Adding a store finds nothing in Google Places

> If searching for a store under Stores / Branches → Add New Store(s) returns no results, the platform has no working Google Maps API key.

FAQ · Troubleshooting · Last updated 15 September 2026

URL: https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/troubleshooting/adding-a-store-finds-nothing-in-google-places/

If the search under **Stores / Branches → Add New Store(s)** returns nothing for a store you know exists, the platform cannot reach Google Places. The platform looks stores up with your own Google Maps API key, so the search returns nothing until a valid key is saved.

### Every search returns no results

**Cause.** No key is saved under **Platform Admin → Enabled Features → Google Maps/Places**, or the key was mistyped. The key is optional during installation, so it is often skipped.

**Fix.** Create a Google Maps API key in your Google Cloud project, paste it into **Google Maps API Key** on that page and select **Save Changes**. See [Connect the platform to Google Maps / Places](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/integrations-and-3rd-party-guides/connect-the-platform-to-google-maps-places/).

### The key is saved but searches still return nothing

**Cause.** The key is restricted in Google Cloud so that it cannot be used for the Places API, or billing is not enabled on the Google Cloud project.

**Fix.** In Google Cloud, check the key's API and application restrictions, then try the search again.

### The store exists but is not on Google Maps

**Cause.** New or unlisted locations are not in Google Places.

**Fix.** Add the store manually and enter the address yourself, then set a unique **Store Code**. See [Add a store](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/stores-and-retail-data/add-a-store/).

## Related

- [Step 6 — Add your stores from Google Places](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/platform-installation/step-6-add-your-stores-from-google-places/)
- [Connect the platform to Google Business Profile](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/integrations-and-3rd-party-guides/connect-the-platform-to-google-business-profile/)
- [Troubleshooting index](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/troubleshooting/troubleshooting-index/)