A Gemini CLI endpoint for quiet experiments

Agents at the terminalEN2026-10-26

Gemini CLI is a terminal tool for working with an AI assistant while you inspect files, draft code, and run small development tasks. It normally connects to Google’s services through their standard configuration. Vana API gives you another route: one endpoint that accepts OpenAI-compatible requests and can relay them to several model providers, including Gemini.

This guide uses Gemini CLI with Vana API and Gemini 3.1 Pro. The setup is useful when you want one account and one API endpoint for several tools. Vana API charges for the tokens your requests actually use, with no monthly fee. It also supports Claude Code, Codex, OpenAI SDKs, and the Anthropic Messages and Gemini native protocols.

§ Before you begin

Create a Vana API account and add credit or another available payment method. After signing in, create an API key. Treat this key like a password. Do not place it in a public repository, paste it into a shared document, or include it in a script that you plan to publish.

You will also need Gemini CLI installed on your computer. The exact installation command can change, so use the current instructions from the Gemini CLI project. Once the command is available, running gemini --help should display its available options.

§ Point Gemini CLI at Vana API

Gemini CLI can use an OpenAI-compatible provider when its provider settings are configured for that mode. In the shell where you plan to use the command, set your Vana API key and the Vana API base URL:

OPENAI_API_KEY: your Vana API key
OPENAI_BASE_URL: https://api.vanaapi.com
OPENAI_MODEL: the Gemini 3.1 Pro model identifier shown in your Vana API dashboard

The model identifier in the dashboard is the safest value to use because provider names and routing identifiers can change independently of the readable model name. If your installed Gemini CLI version uses a settings file instead of these environment variables, enter the same three values in its OpenAI provider configuration.

After saving the settings, start the command with gemini. Ask a small question first, such as a request to explain the files in the current directory. A small request makes it easier to confirm that the key, endpoint, and model are all working before you begin a longer session.

§ Check the first response

If the request succeeds, Gemini CLI should respond through Vana API. You can then ask it to inspect a file, suggest a change, or explain a command. Keep the first session narrow. For example, ask it to summarize one file before asking it to modify several files.

If you receive an authentication error, check that the key was copied without extra spaces and that the shell is using the variable you set. If the endpoint error mentions a missing route, review whether your Gemini CLI version expects the base URL with a version suffix. Vana API’s dashboard and current integration notes are the right places to confirm the exact base URL format for your client.

§ A simple way to use the setup

Keep a separate terminal profile for Vana API if you also use another Gemini provider. That makes it clear which account receives usage charges. You can change the model later by replacing the model value with another model identifier available in your Vana API account.

Vana API also supports referral sharing. Members can earn a share when people they invite pay for their usage. Once Gemini CLI is working, create your Vana API account if you have not already done so, then keep the key and endpoint settings in a private local configuration.