> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nano-gpt.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Gemini CLI

> Use Gemini CLI with NanoGPT via the OpenRouter compatible fork

# Gemini CLI

> Use Gemini CLI with NanoGPT to access Gemini, GPT, Claude, and 400+ models through a single API key.

<Tip>
  [Get started with NanoGPT](https://nano-gpt.com/api) for pay-as-you-go pricing with no monthly fees. Add credits and start immediately.
</Tip>

Gemini CLI is Google's official command-line interface for Gemini. The official CLI only targets Google endpoints, so use the community fork that adds OpenRouter and OpenAI-compatible support to point it at NanoGPT.

## Step 1: Install the OpenRouter Fork

Prerequisites: [Node.js 18 or newer](https://nodejs.org/en/download/)

```bash theme={null}
git clone https://github.com/heartyguy/gemini-cli
cd gemini-cli
git checkout feature/openrouter-support
npm install
```

<Note>
  This fork is community maintained. If the branch name changes or is missing, check the repository README for the latest OpenRouter-compatible branch.
</Note>

## Step 2: Configure NanoGPT

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get API Key">
    * Go to [NanoGPT API](https://nano-gpt.com/api)
    * Create an account or log in
    * Copy your API key (starts with `sk-nano-`)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Environment Variables">
    Set the base URL and API key in the same shell where you will run the CLI:

    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="macOS/Linux">
        ```bash theme={null}
        export OPENROUTER_BASE_URL="https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1"
        export OPENROUTER_API_KEY="sk-nano-YOUR-API-KEY"
        ```
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Windows PowerShell">
        ```powershell theme={null}
        $env:OPENROUTER_BASE_URL = "https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1"
        $env:OPENROUTER_API_KEY = "sk-nano-YOUR-API-KEY"
        ```
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>

    For persistent configuration, add the exports to your shell profile:

    ```bash theme={null}
    echo 'export OPENROUTER_BASE_URL="https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1"' >> ~/.zshrc
    echo 'export OPENROUTER_API_KEY="sk-nano-YOUR-API-KEY"' >> ~/.zshrc
    source ~/.zshrc
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 3: Start Gemini CLI

From the `gemini-cli` folder, launch the CLI:

```bash theme={null}
npm start
```

On first launch, the CLI may prompt you to select a theme or complete authentication required by the fork.

## Models

Once connected, you can use any model listed on the [NanoGPT pricing page](https://nano-gpt.com/pricing), including:

* `google/gemini-3-pro-preview`
* `google/gemini-3-flash-preview`
* `openai/gpt-5.2`
* `anthropic/claude-opus-4.5`

## Optional: Verify Your Connection

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST "https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1/chat/completions" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk-nano-YOUR-API-KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "google/gemini-3-flash-preview",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
  }'
```

## Troubleshooting

| Issue                         | Solution                                                                       |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `401 Unauthorized`            | Check your API key and ensure your account has credits                         |
| `Connection refused`          | Verify `OPENROUTER_BASE_URL` is set to `https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1`           |
| `Model not found`             | Confirm the model name at [nano-gpt.com/pricing](https://nano-gpt.com/pricing) |
| CLI not recognizing variables | Restart your terminal or set the variables in the same session                 |