Failed to load map. Error contacting Google servers. This is probably an authentication issue

it sounds like you have problem with your API_KEY which is obtained from Google API Access ,so verify your API_KEY , certificate fingerprints and package name

also use this inside <manifest>

<uses-feature        android:glEsVersion="0x00020000"        android:required="true" >    </uses-feature>

and also verify: <meta-data .... > should be inside <application> tag

PS.

1. Also try by adding following Permission

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES"/>

2. After changing API key in AndroidManifest.xml Must Clear Application Data

To Clear Application Data :

Either Go to Settings>Application Manager>Select Your Application > Click on Clear Data

Or Must Uninstall The Application before installing it ! Note Don't Re-install unless you Completely Uninstall the Application in order to clear its Data completely

I spent so much time, there are too many similar questions.

I tried to add own permission, WIFI_STATE permission, but the real problem was in application data.

After you change API key in manifest, you MUST "Clear data" of your application (or completely re-install).

This helps me and I hope this post will help somebody.

My problem was solved by adding permission to the manifest:

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES"/>