Gemini 3 Pro and Gemini 3 Flash on Gemini CLI

Learn about how you can use Gemini 3 Pro and Gemini 3 Flash on Gemini CLI.

[!NOTE] Gemini 3.1 Pro Preview is rolling out. To determine whether you have access to Gemini 3.1, use the /model command and select Manual. If you have access, you will see gemini-3.1-pro-preview.

If you have access to Gemini 3.1, it will be included in model routing when you select Auto (Gemini 3). You can also launch the Gemini 3.1 model directly using the -m flag:
gemini -m gemini-3.1-pro-preview
Learn more about models and model routing.

How to get started with Gemini 3 on Gemini CLI

Get started by upgrading Gemini CLI to the latest version:

bash

npm install -g @google/gemini-cli@latest

If your version is 0.21.1 or later:

Run /model.
Select Auto (Gemini 3).

For more information, see Gemini CLI model selection.

Usage limits and fallback

Gemini CLI will tell you when you reach your Gemini 3 Pro daily usage limit. When you encounter that limit, you’ll be given the option to switch to Gemini 2.5 Pro, upgrade for higher limits, or stop. You’ll also be told when your usage limit resets and Gemini 3 Pro can be used again.

[!TIP] Looking to upgrade for higher limits? To compare subscription options and find the right quota for your needs, see our Plans page.

Similarly, when you reach your daily usage limit for Gemini 2.5 Pro, you’ll see a message prompting fallback to Gemini 2.5 Flash.

Capacity errors

There may be times when the Gemini 3 Pro model is overloaded. When that happens, Gemini CLI will ask you to decide whether you want to keep trying Gemini 3 Pro or fallback to Gemini 2.5 Pro.

[!NOTE] The Keep trying option uses exponential backoff, in which Gemini CLI waits longer between each retry, when the system is busy. If the retry doesn't happen immediately, wait a few minutes for the request to process.

Model selection and routing types

When using Gemini CLI, you may want to control how your requests are routed between models. By default, Gemini CLI uses Auto routing.

When using Gemini 3 Pro, you may want to use Auto routing or Pro routing to manage your usage limits:

Auto routing: Auto routing first determines whether a prompt involves a complex or simple operation. For simple prompts, it will automatically use Gemini 2.5 Flash. For complex prompts, if Gemini 3 Pro is enabled, it will use Gemini 3 Pro; otherwise, it will use Gemini 2.5 Pro.
Pro routing: If you want to ensure your task is processed by the most capable model, use /model and select Pro. Gemini CLI will prioritize the most capable model available, including Gemini 3 Pro if it has been enabled.

To learn more about selecting a model and routing, refer to Gemini CLI Model Selection.

How to enable Gemini 3 with Gemini CLI on Gemini Code Assist

If you're using Gemini Code Assist Standard or Gemini Code Assist Enterprise, enabling Gemini 3 Pro on Gemini CLI requires configuring your release channels. Using Gemini 3 Pro will require two steps: administrative enablement and user enablement.

To learn more about these settings, refer to Configure Gemini Code Assist release channels.

Administrator instructions

An administrator with Google Cloud Settings Admin permissions must follow these directions:

Navigate to the Google Cloud Project you're using with Gemini CLI for Code Assist.
Go to Admin for Gemini > Settings.
Under Release channels for Gemini Code Assist in local IDEs select Preview.
Click Save changes.

User instructions

Wait for two to three minutes after your administrator has enabled Preview, then:

Open Gemini CLI.
Use the /settings command.
Set Preview Features to true.

Restart Gemini CLI and you should have access to Gemini 3.

Next steps

If you need help, we recommend searching for an existing GitHub issue. If you cannot find a GitHub issue that matches your concern, you can create a new issue. For comments and feedback, consider opening a GitHub discussion.