> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.monk.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use Monk with Gemini CLI

> Enable Monk MCP and make it available to Gemini CLI

Gemini CLI runs in a separate terminal. You keep Monk open in your IDE and launch Gemini CLI in the same project directory. The Monk MCP server is enabled automatically during [setup](/getting-started/installation) and writes the config to `.gemini/settings.json` in your project.

<Info>
  **Coming soon:** Headless mode — plug Monk directly into Gemini CLI without running a separate IDE window. [Upvote it on our roadmap.](https://roadmap.monk.io/)
</Info>

## Prerequisites

Make sure you have completed the [Monk setup](/getting-started/installation) and the MCP server step shows as running in the setup screen.

## Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Gemini CLI in the same directory">
    Launch Gemini CLI from the terminal in the same project root.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Monk is listed">
    Run `gemini mcp list` to confirm Monk appears in the server list.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/monk-d20f97b6/o10AkyaHJS57Qs9w/assets/Gemini_mcp_server.gif?s=9a21dbf00be430cb874a44f35c833336" alt="Gemini MCP Enablement" height="200" className="rounded-lg" data-path="assets/Gemini_mcp_server.gif" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve and start using Monk">
    By default Gemini CLI asks for confirmation before calling MCP tools. Approve Monk when prompted, then ask it to deploy, inspect, or manage your project.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/monk-d20f97b6/o10AkyaHJS57Qs9w/assets/Gemini_monk_conversation.gif?s=0a28ba69f692332826f68da6c44db170" alt="Gemini CLI communicating with Monk" height="200" className="rounded-lg" data-path="assets/Gemini_monk_conversation.gif" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Card title="Deploy your first app" icon="rocket" href="/getting-started/first-deployment" color="#3B82F6">
  Monk is connected — now deploy your project
</Card>

## Troubleshooting

If Monk does not appear in `gemini mcp list`, confirm the IDE with Monk is still running with the same project open and MCP is enabled. Check whether your Gemini config has `mcp.allowed` or `mcp.excluded` rules that might block Monk.

<Card title="More troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/getting-started/troubleshooting-installation">
  Common issues and how to fix them
</Card>