Settings Up Formidable Geolocation

1. License Status

This section displays the activation status of your Formidable Geolocation license. An active license enables plugin updates and premium support. Use the Manage License button to activate, deactivate, or update your license key.

2. Google Maps API Keys

Formidable Geolocation requires two Google Maps API keys for full functionality. Both keys work together to support maps, autocomplete, geocoding, routing, and other location features.

Browser API Key (Required)

This key is used for all client-side features such as interactive maps, address autocomplete, place suggestions, and user-initiated directions requests. It must be configured as a Browser (HTTP-restricted) key.

Server API Key (Required)

The Server API Key is required for all backend location processing, including:

• Pre-defined and server-side geocoding
• Google Routes API (driving, distance, and travel time)
• Distance Matrix calculations
• Fallback geocoding for Directions, Map, and Geocoder fields
• Any geolocation operations that must run securely on your server

This key must be secured as an IP-restricted server key in Google Cloud. Enable all required APIs for full plugin functionality.

3. Google Maps Region & Language

Google Maps Country Code

Sets the default region bias for geocoding and autocomplete. Use a two-letter ISO country code (e.g., US, CA, AU). This improves the accuracy and relevance of suggested results.

Google Maps Language

Determines the language used by Maps, autocomplete suggestions, and geocoding responses. Use a standard language code such as en, es, fr, etc.

4. IP Address Locator

Choose how Formidable Geolocation should detect a user’s location when using the Locator Button or any auto-locator features. IP-based detection can be used as a primary lookup method or as a backup when HTML5 geolocation is unavailable or denied by the browser.

IP Address Provider

Select the lookup provider Formidable Geolocation should use for IP-based location detection:

• Ipapi.co:
  No token required for the free tier. Simple and reliable for basic IP-based lookups.
• Ipinfo.io:
  Requires a token. Offers improved accuracy, ISP details, and additional metadata.
• Ipregistry:
  Requires an API key. Provides high-quality global IP intelligence with fast lookup performance.

Provider Usage Mode

• Disabled:
  IP-based geolocation is turned off. Only HTML5 geolocation will be used.
• Default:
  Use the selected IP provider as the primary lookup method whenever a location is requested.
• Fallback:
  Use the IP provider only when HTML5 geolocation fails, times out, or is blocked by the user.

Depending on the provider and plan, an API key or token may be required. IP-based geolocation accuracy varies by region, network, and service provider.

5. Advanced Options

High Accuracy Location Mode

Enables the browser’s high-accuracy GPS mode when fetching the user's location. This may increase accuracy but can take longer to process depending on the device.

Disable Google Maps API

Use this option if your theme or another plugin already loads Google Maps. Enabling this prevents duplicate API loading and avoids JavaScript conflicts.

Disable Advanced Markers

Turns off Google’s Advanced Marker features. This is useful for troubleshooting display issues or when using custom marker rendering.