Sign in with a Google account for the free tier
authentication
// what it does
Launch gemini and choose Login with Google to authenticate through the browser; credentials are cached locally so you only do it once. The free tier grants 60 requests per minute and 1,000 requests per day. Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers get higher limits automatically on the same login.
// shell
$ gemini$ export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=my-gcp-project// gotcha
Workspace or organization Google accounts often fail the personal free-tier flow — set GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT to a project you own before launching, or the sign-in loops. Free-tier usage may also be used to improve products; use an API key or Vertex AI if that is a concern.