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speech_recognition/recognizers/google.py (SpeechRecognition source code)
Anthony Zhang (Uberi), GitHub, source code, n.d.
Read the originalRead on October 17, 2026
- What it is
- The source file of the Google Speech Recognition function in the SpeechRecognition package. Its docstring says what the default key is for and that Google may revoke it.
- How much weight it carries
- This is the code the package ships, so it is the most direct evidence of how the default key is meant to be used. It is a docstring, not a service agreement, and Google's own terms for the endpoint are not published on this page.
Facts taken from this source
- The SpeechRecognition package's Google recognizer uses a generic API key that works without setup, and its docstring says that key should generally be used only for personal or testing purposes.
“it uses a generic key that works out of the box. This should generally be used for personal or testing purposes only” (Docstring of recognize_google)
- The docstring of SpeechRecognition's Google recognizer says the default key should generally be used only for personal or testing purposes, because Google may revoke it at any time.
“This should generally be used for personal or testing purposes only, as it **may be revoked by Google at any time**.” (Docstring of recognize_google)
- The docstring of SpeechRecognition's Google recognizer says it raises a RequestError when the recognition operation fails, when the key is not valid, or when there is no internet connection.
“if the key isn't valid, or if there is no internet connection.” (Docstring of recognize_google, Raises section)