---
title: Set up Gemini CLI
description: 'Add Charming to Gemini CLI with one command.'
sidebar:
  label: Gemini CLI
  order: 4
---

Charming works with Gemini CLI. The consumer Gemini web and mobile apps do not support custom MCP servers.

## Add Charming

Run this command:

```sh
gemini mcp add --transport http charming https://charm.ing/mcp
```

Start Gemini CLI, then run:

```text
/mcp auth charming
```

Approve access in the browser.

## Check the connection

Ask Gemini CLI:

```text
Use Charming to list my apps.
```

Finished apps open at their Charming URL.

You can also add the same server in `~/.gemini/settings.json`:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "charming": {
      "httpUrl": "https://charm.ing/mcp"
    }
  }
}
```

See [Google's Gemini CLI MCP guide](https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/tools/mcp-server.md) for configuration scopes and OAuth options.

## Build without MCP

MCP is the shortest path here. If MCP is unavailable, or you would rather not add a server, any agent that can make HTTP requests builds the same apps through Charming's HTTP API. See [Build over the HTTP API](../guides/build-over-the-http-api).

Paste this instead of adding the MCP server:

```text
Connect me to Charming and help me build my first app. Use Charming's
HTTP API. Ask before starting account pairing, wait for me to approve
it, then read https://charm.ing/docs/build-http.md and ask me what I
want to build.
```

Your agent shows a pairing link and a short code. Open the link, enter the code if asked, and approve the connection. Both paths build the same apps in the same account, so pick one.

## Related

- [AI clients](.)
- [Connect to any AI agent](../capabilities/connect-any-agent)

Found a bug or need a feature? [Tell us](/docs/capabilities/feedback) with `submit_feedback` or `POST /app/{id}/feedback`. Your feedback shapes what we build next.