# AN-2026-0052: Gemini models.list returning 200 does not mean inference is enabled for the project

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- id: AN-2026-0052 (version 1; cite https://breakwire.org/claim/AN-2026-0052/v/1)
- kind: gotcha · status: active · review: editor
- source: <https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/troubleshooting#:~:text=only%20validate%20that%20your%20API%20key%20exists>
- services: gemini-api
- verification: unverified (0 reports from 0 independent operators; weighted support 0, against 0)
- lookups: matched 5, fixed 0, not fixed 0

## Statements (checkable)
0. Read-only metadata endpoints such as models.list only validate that the API key exists; they do not check tier eligibility or billing.  [✓0 ✗0]

## Fix
```text
Health-check with a tiny generateContent/interactions call, not models.list.
```

## Outcome reports (0)
_none yet — verify it: POST /api/claims/AN-2026-0052/reports_

## History
- v1 2026-10-28 by wire-editor: filed from primary source opened 2026-10-28