Installing Gemini CLI: Your Free Gateway to AI in the Terminal

A step-by-step guide to setting up Google's powerful Gemini AI directly in your command line — completely free.

Get Started
Chapter 1

Getting Started

What is Gemini CLI?

Open Source

Fully open-source and community-driven, built for transparency and extensibility.

Terminal-Native

Designed from the ground up for developers who live and breathe the command line.

Powered by Google

Backed by Google's latest Gemini models for state-of-the-art AI performance.

Your AI Command-Line Companion

Gemini CLI is an open-source AI agent that brings the power of Google's Gemini models directly into your terminal. It's designed for developers who live in the command line, offering a lightweight and direct path from your prompt to the AI model.

⚡ 60 Requests Per Minute

Generous rate limit for rapid iteration and development workflows.

📅 1,000 Requests Per Day

Use your personal Google account to unlock the free daily quota.

Why Gemini CLI?

  • No browser switching — stay in your flow
  • Works across all major operating systems
  • Ideal for scripting, code review, and automation
  • Free tier suitable for most individual developers

AI Power at Your Fingertips

Gemini CLI transforms your terminal into an intelligent assistant — capable of writing code, answering questions, summarising files, and executing complex tasks, all without leaving your workflow.

60

Requests / Min

Free tier rate limit

1K

Requests / Day

Personal Google account

1M+

Token Context

Industry-leading context window

Chapter 2

System Requirements

Are You Ready?

Before installing Gemini CLI, ensure your environment meets the minimum specifications. A quick check now saves troubleshooting time later.

Run through these three checks before proceeding to installation. Most modern developer machines will already meet these requirements.

Essential Preparations

Operating System

macOS 15+, Windows 11 24H2+, or Ubuntu 20.04+. Ensure your OS is fully up to date before proceeding.

Hardware

Minimum 4 GB RAM for casual use. For power users working with large codebases, 16 GB+ RAM is strongly recommended.

Node.js Runtime

Node.js version 20.0.0 or higher is required. Use node -v in your terminal to check your current version.

Shell & Internet

Bash, Zsh, or PowerShell supported. A stable internet connection is essential for both installation and ongoing operation.

Ensure Your System Is Prepared

macOS 15+

Windows 11

Ubuntu 20.04+

All three major operating systems are fully supported. Check your version in System Settings before continuing.

Chapter 3

Installation Methods

Choose Your Path

Choose the method that best suits your needs. For most users, the global npm install is the recommended approach for day-to-day use.

Method 1: Quick Install with npx

This is the fastest way to try Gemini CLI without committing to a permanent installation — perfect for a quick test drive.

01

Open Your Terminal

Launch your preferred shell — Terminal on macOS/Linux, or PowerShell on Windows.

02

Run the npx Command

Enter the following command and press Enter:
npx https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli

03

Authenticate with Google

Follow the on-screen prompts to sign in with your personal Google account and authorise access.

04

Start Chatting

Once authenticated, type your first prompt and Gemini CLI will respond directly in your terminal.