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System Requirements

Before installing Gemini CLI, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

Operating System

  • macOS 15+
  • Windows 11 24H2+
  • Ubuntu 20.04+

Runtime & Tools

  • Node.js 20.0.0+
  • Bash, Zsh, or PowerShell
  • Internet connection required
4GB+ RAMSuitable for:
  • Short sessions
  • Common tasks and edits
  • Basic code analysis
Cloud Users: Gemini CLI comes pre-installed on Cloud Shell and Cloud Workstations.

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Installation Methods

Choose the installation method that best fits your environment: The standard method to install Gemini CLI globally: 
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
Once installed, verify the installation: 
gemini --version

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Install with Homebrew (macOS/Linux)

If you prefer using Homebrew: 
brew install gemini-cli
Verify the installation: 
gemini --version

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Install with MacPorts (macOS)

For MacPorts users: 
sudo port install gemini-cli

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Install with Anaconda (Restricted Environments)

Ideal for environments with restricted package managers:
1

Create Conda Environment

Create and activate a new environment with Node.js:
conda create -y -n gemini_env -c conda-forge nodejs
conda activate gemini_env
2

Install Gemini CLI

Install Gemini CLI globally via npm inside the environment:
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
3

Verify Installation

Test the installation:
gemini --version
Remember to activate the conda environment (conda activate gemini_env) before using Gemini CLI.

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Running Gemini CLI

After installation, you can run Gemini CLI using several methods:

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Standard Usage

Simply run the gemini command: 
gemini
Start in a specific directory with additional context: 
gemini --include-directories ../lib,../docs
Use a specific model: 
gemini -m gemini-2.5-flash

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Run with npx (No Installation)

You can run Gemini CLI without permanent installation: 
# Run the latest published version
npx @google/gemini-cli
Run directly from the main branch on GitHub (useful for testing features in development): 
npx https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli
Using npx is great for trying out Gemini CLI without committing to a global installation.

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Run in a Sandbox (Docker/Podman)

For security and isolation, run Gemini CLI inside a container: 
# Run the published sandbox image
docker run --rm -it us-docker.pkg.dev/gemini-code-dev/gemini-cli/sandbox:0.1.1
Sandbox mode is the default way that the CLI executes tools that might have side effects, providing an extra layer of security.

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Run from Source (Contributors)

If you’re contributing to Gemini CLI, you can run it directly from source:
Provides hot-reloading for active development:
# From the root of the repository
npm run start

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Release Channels

Gemini CLI offers three release channels to suit different needs: New stable releases are published weekly. This is the default and recommended channel: 
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli@latest
# or simply
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
Stable releases are promoted from the previous week’s preview release along with any bug fixes.

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Preview

Test upcoming features before they reach stable. Published weekly but may contain issues: 
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli@preview
Preview releases are not fully vetted and may contain regressions or outstanding issues. Use for testing only.

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Nightly

Get the latest changes from the main branch. Published daily: 
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli@nightly
Nightly builds include all changes from the main branch and should be assumed to have pending validations and issues.

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Non-Interactive Mode (Scripting)

Gemini CLI can be used in automated workflows and scripts: 
# Get a simple text response
gemini -p "Explain the architecture of this codebase"

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Verifying Installation

After installation, verify everything is working:
1

Check Version

gemini --version
2

Run Help Command

gemini --help
3

Test Run

gemini
This will start the interactive CLI and prompt you to authenticate.

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Troubleshooting

Gemini CLI requires Node.js 20.0.0 or higher. Update Node.js:
# Using nvm
nvm install 20
nvm use 20

# Or download from nodejs.org
If you get permission errors, try:
# Option 1: Use sudo (not recommended)
sudo npm install -g @google/gemini-cli

# Option 2: Fix npm permissions (recommended)
mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
Make sure your PATH includes the npm global bin directory:
# Check npm bin location
npm bin -g

# Add to PATH if needed (add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc)
export PATH="$(npm bin -g):$PATH"

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Next Steps

Set Up Authentication

Configure OAuth, API key, or Vertex AI authentication

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