How To Create Google Credentials for n8n [Super Simple]

Automating tasks between Google services (like Gmail and Google Drive) and N8n can save you time and streamline your workflows. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to connect your Google Account with N8n in less than 5 minutes—completely for free!

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have:
✅ An N8n instance installed (if you don’t, check this guide to set it up for free on your own domain).
✅ A Google Cloud account (with billing enabled—required for API access).

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Step 1: Set Up OAuth Credentials in Google Cloud Console

1. Go to Google Cloud Console.
2. Create a new project (e.g., “N8n-Gmail-Integration”) by clicking:

• “Select a Project” → “New Project” → Enter a name → “Create”.

1. Enable the Gmail API:

• Navigate to “APIs & Services” → “Library”.
• Search for “Gmail API” → Click “Enable”.

1. Configure OAuth Consent Screen:

• Go to “APIs & Services” → “OAuth Consent Screen”.
• Select “External” → Click “Create”.
• Fill in:
  • App Name: (e.g., “N8n Gmail Connector”)
  • User Support Email: (Your email)
  • Developer Contact Email: (Your email)
• Click “Save and Continue”.

1. Add Test Users:

• Under “Test Users”, add your Google account email → “Save”.

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Step 2: Generate OAuth Client ID & Secret

1. Go to “Credentials” → “Create Credentials” → “OAuth Client ID”.
2. Select “Web Application” and enter:

• Name: (e.g., “N8n Gmail”)
• Authorized Redirect URIs:
  • Copy the OAuth Redirect URL from N8n (shown when adding a new Google credential).
  • Paste it here.

1. Click “Create” → You’ll get a Client ID and Client Secret (save these!).

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Step 3: Connect Google Account in N8n

1. Open your N8n instance → Go to “Workflows” → Create a new workflow.
2. Add a Gmail Node:

• Search for “Gmail” → Select “Send Email”.

1. Set Up Google Credentials:

• Click “Create New Credential”.
• Enter:
  • Client ID (from Google Cloud Console)
  • Client Secret (from Google Cloud Console)
• Click “Save”.

1. Authorize Access:

• Click “Sign in with Google” → Choose your account.
• Grant permissions (Select All → Continue).

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Step 4: Test Your Gmail Integration

1. In the Gmail node, fill in:

• To: (Your test email)
• Subject: “Test from N8n”
• Message: “This is an automated email!”

1. Click “Execute Node” → Check your inbox for the test email!

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Bonus: Connect Google Drive to N8n

1. Enable Google Drive API in Google Cloud Console (same steps as Gmail API).
2. In N8n, add a Google Drive Node (e.g., “Copy File”).
3. Use the same OAuth credentials → Authorize access.
4. Now you can automate file operations in Google Drive!

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Conclusion

Now you can automate emails, manage Google Drive files, and more using N8n and Google’s APIs—all in under 5 minutes!

🔹 Need N8n installed? Check this free guide.
🔹 Questions? Drop them in the comments!