Gemini CLI

Set up Google’s Gemini CLI to use KiosAPI as the backend provider.

Gemini CLI

Gemini CLI is Google’s official command-line interface for interacting with Gemini models. This guide shows you how to configure it to use KiosAPI.

Prerequisites

• Node.js 20+ — check with node --version
• A KiosAPI API key (starts with sk-) created in the Gemini group

Get the right API key

Gemini models on KiosAPI are served through the Gemini group (0.05× multiplier):

1. Log in to the KiosAPI Dashboard.
2. Go to Console → Tokens → Add Token.
3. Select the group Gemini.
4. Save and copy the key.

A key from another group cannot call Gemini models. If you get a model-not-found error, check the token’s group first. See Choosing a Token Group.

Installation

Install Gemini CLI globally via npm:

npm install -g @google/gemini-cli

Verify the installation:

gemini --version

Current Gemini models on KiosAPI

Model	Best for
gemini-3.8-flash	Daily coding and chat — recommended default
gemini-3.7-flash	Fast general tasks
gemini-3.6-flash	Lighter/fastest tier

The authoritative list is the Models & Pricing page (filter by the Gemini group).

Configuration

1. Set the base URL

Create ~/.gemini/.env:

GOOGLE_GEMINI_BASE_URL=https://kiosapi.com/
GOOGLE_API_KEY=sk-xxx

The base URL must end with a trailing slash /. Gemini CLI appends the API path after it.

2. Configure settings

Create ~/.gemini/settings.json:

{
  "auth": {
    "selectedType": "api-key"
  },
  "model": "gemini-3.8-flash",
  "models": {
    "gemini-3.8-flash": {
      "name": "Gemini 3.8 Flash",
      "base_url": "https://kiosapi.com/"
    },
    "gemini-3.7-flash": {
      "name": "Gemini 3.7 Flash",
      "base_url": "https://kiosapi.com/"
    },
    "gemini-3.6-flash": {
      "name": "Gemini 3.6 Flash",
      "base_url": "https://kiosapi.com/"
    }
  }
}

Setting	Description
auth.selectedType	Authentication method — must be api-key for KiosAPI, NOT Google Login
model	Default model to use
models	Model definitions with display names and base URLs

3. Start Gemini CLI

gemini

On first launch, if prompted to select an authentication method, choose API key — not Google Login. Gemini CLI will read the key from GOOGLE_API_KEY in ~/.gemini/.env.

Usage

Interactive mode

gemini

Direct question

gemini -p "Explain how goroutines work in Go"

Switching models

Inside the interactive session:

/model gemini-3.6-flash

Troubleshooting

401 Unauthorized / Invalid API key

• Ensure GOOGLE_API_KEY contains your KiosAPI key (sk-...), not a Google AI key
• Ensure auth.selectedType is api-key in ~/.gemini/settings.json
• If the CLI still tries Google Login, remove cached auth: delete ~/.gemini/oauth_creds.json and restart

Model Not Found / No Available Channel

• Verify your token is in the Gemini group
• Verify the model name is current (old names like gemini-2.5-pro no longer exist) — check the pricing page

Connection Error

• Ensure GOOGLE_GEMINI_BASE_URL is https://kiosapi.com/ with the trailing slash
• Check your network connection

Verify Your Setup

gemini -p "Say hello"

Need Help?

• KiosAPI Dashboard
• Choosing a Token Group
• Available Models