Getting Started
Client Setup
Prerequisites
Before installing, ensure you have:
- Node.js v16.0.0 or higher
- Google Gemini CLI installed and configured on your system
- Claude Desktop or Claude Code with MCP support
Claude Code (Recommended)
💡 gemini-mcp-tool is tested extensively with claude code
Claude Code offers the smoothest experience.
# install for claude code
claude mcp add gemini-cli -- npx -y gemini-mcp-tool
# Start Claude Code - it's automatically configured!
claude
Claude Desktop
Configuration File Locations
For Claude Desktop users, add this to your configuration file:
{
"mcpServers": {
"gemini-cli": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "gemini-mcp-tool"]
}
}
}
WARNING
You must restart Claude Desktop completely for changes to take effect.
Other MCP Clients
Gemini MCP Tool works with 40+ MCP clients! Here are the common configuration patterns:
STDIO Transport (Most Common)
{
"transport": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "gemini-mcp-tool"]
}
}
Popular Clients
Warp - Modern terminal with AI features
Configuration Location: Terminal Settings → AI Settings → MCP Configuration
{
"gemini-cli": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"gemini-mcp-tool"
],
"env": {},
"working_directory": null,
"start_on_launch": true
}
}
Features: Terminal-native MCP integration, AI-powered command suggestions
- Install Prerequisites: Ensure Gemini CLI is installed
- Add Server Config: Use the STDIO transport pattern above
- Restart Client: Most clients require restart after config changes
- Test Connection: Try
/gemini-cli:ping
or natural language commands
Verify Your Setup
Once configured, test that everything is working:
1. Basic Connectivity Test
Type in Claude:
/gemini-cli:ping "Hello from Gemini MCP!"
2. Test File Analysis
/gemini-cli:analyze @README.md summarize this file
3. Test Sandbox Mode
/gemini-cli:sandbox create a simple Python hello world script
Quick Command Reference
Once installed, you can use natural language or slash commands:
Natural Language Examples
- "use gemini to explain index.html"
- "understand the massive project using gemini"
- "ask gemini to search for latest news"
Slash Commands in Claude Code
Type /gemini-cli
and these commands will appear:
/gemini-cli:analyze
- Analyze files or ask questions/gemini-cli:sandbox
- Safe code execution/gemini-cli:help
- Show help information/gemini-cli:ping
- Test connectivity
Need a Different Client?
Don't see your MCP client listed? Gemini MCP Tool uses standard MCP protocol and works with any compatible client.
Find More MCP Clients
- Official List: modelcontextprotocol.io/clients
- Configuration Help: Most clients follow the STDIO transport pattern above
- Community: Join discussions on GitHub for client-specific tips
Common Issues
"Command not found: gemini"
Make sure you've installed the Gemini CLI:
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
"MCP server not responding"
- run claude code --> /doctor
- Check your configuration file path
- Ensure JSON syntax is correct
- Restart your MCP client completely
- Verify Gemini CLI works:
gemini -help
Client-Specific Issues
- Claude Desktop: Must restart completely after config changes
- Other Clients: Check their specific documentation for MCP setup
Next Steps
Now that you're set up:
- Learn about file analysis with @ syntax
- Explore sandbox mode for safe code execution
- Check out real-world examples in the README
- Join the community for support
Need Help?
If you run into issues, open an issue on GitHub.