Gemini sandbox

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This guide covers authentication, configuration, and usage of Google Gemini in a sandboxed environment.

Official documentation: Gemini CLI

Quick start

Create a sandbox and run Gemini for a project directory:

$ docker sandbox run gemini ~/my-project

The workspace parameter is optional and defaults to the current directory:

$ cd ~/my-project
$ docker sandbox run gemini

Authentication

Gemini uses proxy-managed authentication. Docker Sandboxes intercepts API requests and injects credentials transparently. You provide your API key through environment variables on the host, and the sandbox handles credential management.

Environment variable (recommended)

Set the GEMINI_API_KEY or GOOGLE_API_KEY environment variable in your shell configuration file.

Docker Sandboxes use a daemon process that doesn't inherit environment variables from your current shell session. To make your API key available to sandboxes, set it globally in your shell configuration file.

Add the API key to your shell configuration file:

export GEMINI_API_KEY=AIzaSyxxxxx

Or use GOOGLE_API_KEY:

export GOOGLE_API_KEY=AIzaSyxxxxx

Apply the changes:

1. Source your shell configuration: source ~/.bashrc (or ~/.zshrc)
2. Restart Docker Desktop so the daemon picks up the new environment variable
3. Create and run your sandbox:

$ docker sandbox create gemini ~/project
$ docker sandbox run <sandbox-name>

The sandbox detects the environment variable and uses it automatically.

Interactive authentication

If neither GEMINI_API_KEY nor GOOGLE_API_KEY is set, Gemini prompts you to sign in when it starts.

When using interactive authentication:

• You must authenticate each sandbox separately
• If the sandbox is removed or destroyed, you'll need to authenticate again when you recreate it
• Authentication sessions aren't persisted outside the sandbox
• No fallback authentication methods are used

To avoid repeated authentication, set the GEMINI_API_KEY or GOOGLE_API_KEY environment variable.

Configuration

Configure Gemini behavior in ~/.gemini/settings.json:

{
  "disable_sandbox_tool": true,
  "trusted_folders": ["/workspace"]
}

These settings disable safety checks and allow Gemini to operate without repeated confirmations for workspace files.

Pass options at runtime

Pass Gemini CLI options after the sandbox name and a -- separator:

$ docker sandbox run <sandbox-name> -- --yolo

The --yolo flag disables approval prompts for a single session without modifying the configuration file.

Base image

Template: docker/sandbox-templates:gemini

Gemini is configured to disable its built-in OAuth flow. Authentication is managed through the Docker Sandbox proxy with API keys.

See Custom templates to build your own agent images.