> ## 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.

# Grok CLI

> Use Grok CLI with NanoGPT and Grok + 50 other models

# Grok CLI

> Use Grok CLI with NanoGPT to access Grok models and 50+ other 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.
</Tip>

NanoGPT provides an OpenAI-compatible endpoint that works with the Grok CLI. This lets you:

* Use Grok CLI with your NanoGPT credits
* Access Grok models without a separate xAI account
* Use any other NanoGPT model through the same CLI

## Step 1: Install Grok CLI

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

```bash theme={null}
# Install Grok CLI
npm install -g @vibe-kit/grok-cli

# Verify installation
grok --version
```

<Note>
  **Note**: If you encounter permission issues during installation, try using `sudo` (macOS/Linux) or running the command prompt as an administrator (Windows) to re-execute the installation command.
</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
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Required Environment Variables">
    Grok CLI reads these environment variables:

    | Variable        | Value                         | Description                        |
    | --------------- | ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
    | `GROK_BASE_URL` | `https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1` | NanoGPT OpenAI-compatible endpoint |
    | `GROK_API_KEY`  | `sk-nano-YOUR-API-KEY`        | Your NanoGPT API key               |

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

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

      <Tab title="Windows Cmd">
        ```cmd theme={null}
        set GROK_BASE_URL=https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1
        set GROK_API_KEY=sk-nano-YOUR-API-KEY
        ```
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>

    Replace `sk-nano-YOUR-API-KEY` with your actual API key. Open a new terminal for changes to take effect if you set persistent variables.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Optional: Make It Persistent">
    Add the variables to your shell profile (for example, `~/.zshrc` or `~/.bashrc`):

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

## Step 3: Start Using Grok CLI

Launch Grok CLI with a specific model:

```bash theme={null}
grok --model grok-3
```

Since you are connected to NanoGPT, you can use any available model:

```bash theme={null}
# Grok models
grok --model grok-3
grok --model grok-3-fast
grok --model grok-3-mini

# Other providers through NanoGPT
grok --model openai/gpt-5.2
grok --model anthropic/claude-opus-4.5
grok --model google/gemini-3-flash-preview
```

Model names are listed on our [pricing page](https://nano-gpt.com/pricing).

## Available Grok Models

| Model         | Description                         |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `grok-3`      | xAI flagship model                  |
| `grok-3-fast` | Faster, more cost-effective version |
| `grok-3-mini` | Lightweight version                 |

## Known Limitations

Grok CLI has limited compatibility with thinking or reasoning models. When you use a thinking model, the full reasoning content may be shown in the output.

If you want first-party CLI support for NanoGPT, consider [Claude Code](https://docs.nano-gpt.com/integrations/claude-code) or [Codex CLI](https://docs.nano-gpt.com/integrations/codex-cli).

## Troubleshooting

| Issue                            | Solution                                                                      |
| -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `401 Unauthorized`               | Check your API key is correct and has credits                                 |
| `GROK_BASE_URL not set`          | Ensure the environment variable is exported                                   |
| `Model not found`                | Verify the model name at [nano-gpt.com/pricing](https://nano-gpt.com/pricing) |
| `Command not found: grok`        | Run `npm install -g @vibe-kit/grok-cli` again                                 |
| Thinking content flooding output | Use a non-thinking model variant                                              |

## FAQ

### Is Grok CLI official xAI software?

No. Grok CLI is a third-party package. NanoGPT works with it by providing an OpenAI-compatible endpoint.

### Can I access Grok models from other clients?

Yes. You can use Grok models from Claude Code, Cursor, or any OpenAI-compatible client by setting the base URL to NanoGPT.

## API Details (Reference)

| Setting                   | Value                               |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Base URL                  | `https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1`       |
| Chat Completions Endpoint | `POST /chat/completions`            |
| Models Endpoint           | `GET /models`                       |
| Auth Header               | `Authorization: Bearer sk-nano-...` |

### Example cURL (verify 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": "grok-3-fast",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
  }'
```