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.

Check Node.js version:
Open your terminal and run:
node -v

You should see v20.x.x or higher. If not, visit nodejs.org to download the latest LTS release.

Already have Node.js? You're likely good to go. Most developer machines running modern tooling will already satisfy all system requirements.
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.

No installation required: npx runs the package directly without saving it to your system. Ideal for evaluation before committing to a full install.