Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

This page provides answers to common questions and solutions to frequent problems encountered while using Gemini CLI.

General issues

This section addresses common questions about Gemini CLI usage, security, and troubleshooting general errors.

Why can't I use third-party software like Claude Code, OpenClaw, or OpenCode with Gemini CLI?

Using third-party software, tools, or services to harvest or piggyback on Gemini CLI's OAuth authentication to access our backend services is a direct violation of our applicable terms and policies. Doing so bypasses our intended authentication and security structures, and such actions may be grounds for immediate suspension or termination of your account. If you would like to use a third-party coding agent with Gemini, the supported and secure method is to use a Vertex AI or Google AI Studio API key.

Why am I getting an API error: 429 - Resource exhausted?

This error indicates that you have exceeded your API request limit. The Gemini API has rate limits to prevent abuse and ensure fair usage.

To resolve this, you can:

• Check your usage: Review your API usage in the Google AI Studio or your Google Cloud project dashboard.
• Optimize your prompts: If you are making many requests in a short period, try to batch your prompts or introduce delays between requests.
• Request a quota increase: If you consistently need a higher limit, you can request a quota increase from Google.

Why am I getting an ERR_REQUIRE_ESM error when running npm run start?

This error typically occurs in Node.js projects when there is a mismatch between CommonJS and ES Modules.

This is often due to a misconfiguration in your package.json or tsconfig.json. Ensure that:

1. Your package.json has "type": "module".
2. Your tsconfig.json has "module": "NodeNext" or a compatible setting in the compilerOptions.

If the problem persists, try deleting your node_modules directory and package-lock.json file, and then run npm install again.

Why don't I see cached token counts in my stats output?

Cached token information is only displayed when cached tokens are being used. This feature is available for API key users (Gemini API key or Google Cloud Vertex AI) but not for OAuth users (such as Google Personal/Enterprise accounts like Google Gmail or Google Workspace, respectively). This is because the Gemini Code Assist API does not support cached content creation. You can still view your total token usage using the /stats command in Gemini CLI.

Installation and updates

How do I check which version of Gemini CLI I'm currently running?

You can check your current Gemini CLI version using one of these methods:

• Run gemini --version or gemini -v from your terminal
• Check the globally installed version using your package manager:
  • npm: npm list -g @google/gemini-cli
  • pnpm: pnpm list -g @google/gemini-cli
  • yarn: yarn global list @google/gemini-cli
  • bun: bun pm ls -g @google/gemini-cli
  • homebrew: brew list --versions gemini-cli
• Inside an active Gemini CLI session, use the /about command

How do I update Gemini CLI to the latest version?

If you installed it globally via npm, update it using the command npm install -g @google/gemini-cli@latest. If you compiled it from source, pull the latest changes from the repository, and then rebuild using the command npm run build.

Platform-specific issues

Why does the CLI crash on Windows when I run a command like chmod +x?

Commands like chmod are specific to Unix-like operating systems (Linux, macOS). They are not available on Windows by default.

To resolve this, you can:

• Use Windows-equivalent commands: Instead of chmod, you can use icacls to modify file permissions on Windows.
• Use a compatibility layer: Tools like Git Bash or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) provide a Unix-like environment on Windows where these commands will work.

Configuration

How do I configure my GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT?

You can configure your Google Cloud Project ID using an environment variable.

Set the GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT environment variable in your shell:

macOS/Linux

export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT="your-project-id"

Windows (PowerShell)

$env:GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT="your-project-id"

To make this setting permanent, add this line to your shell's startup file (for example, ~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc).

What is the best way to store my API keys securely?

Exposing API keys in scripts or checking them into source control is a security risk.

To store your API keys securely, you can:

• Use a .env file: Create a .env file in your project's .gemini directory (.gemini/.env) and store your keys there. Gemini CLI will automatically load these variables.
• Use your system's keyring: For the most secure storage, use your operating system's secret management tool (like macOS Keychain, Windows Credential Manager, or a secret manager on Linux). You can then have your scripts or environment load the key from the secure storage at runtime.

Where are Gemini CLI configuration and settings files stored?

Gemini CLI configuration is stored in two settings.json files:

1. In your home directory: ~/.gemini/settings.json.
2. In your project's root directory: ./.gemini/settings.json.

Refer to Gemini CLI Configuration for more details.

Google AI Pro/Ultra and subscription FAQs

Where can I learn more about my Google AI Pro or Google AI Ultra subscription?

To learn more about your Google AI Pro or Google AI Ultra subscription, visit Manage subscription in your subscription settings.

How do I know if I have higher limits for Google AI Pro or Ultra?

If you're subscribed to Google AI Pro or Ultra, you automatically have higher limits to Gemini Code Assist and Gemini CLI. These are shared across Gemini CLI and agent mode in the IDE. You can confirm you have higher limits by checking if you are still subscribed to Google AI Pro or Ultra in your subscription settings.

What is the privacy policy for using Gemini Code Assist or Gemini CLI if I've subscribed to Google AI Pro or Ultra?

To learn more about your privacy policy and terms of service governed by your subscription, visit Gemini Code Assist: Terms of Service and Privacy Policies.

I've upgraded to Google AI Pro or Ultra but it still says I am hitting quota limits. Is this a bug?

The higher limits in your Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription are for Gemini 2.5 across both Gemini 2.5 Pro and Flash. They are shared quota across Gemini CLI and agent mode in Gemini Code Assist IDE extensions. You can learn more about quota limits for Gemini CLI, Gemini Code Assist and agent mode in Gemini Code Assist at Quotas and limits.

If I upgrade to higher limits for Gemini CLI and Gemini Code Assist by purchasing a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription, will Gemini start using my data to improve its machine learning models?

Google does not use your data to improve Google's machine learning models if you purchase a paid plan. Note: If you decide to remain on the free version of Gemini Code Assist, Gemini Code Assist for individuals, you can also opt out of using your data to improve Google's machine learning models. See the Gemini Code Assist for individuals privacy notice for more information.

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