This is the fastest way to get started. You will use the Gemini web app in your browser, turn on the Gmail extension, and be ready to summarise in about 5 minutes. No installation required.
Want a more powerful experience? Path A is great for a quick result. But if you want voice control and a workflow you can use every day, try Path B: Gemini CLI + Voice instead.
Sign in with the Google account that has the Gmail you want to summarise
You should see the Gemini chat interface
I don't have a Google account
You need a Google account to use both Gemini and Gmail. Go to accounts.google.com and click Create account to make one for free.
2
Enable the Gmail extension
Click the Settings icon (gear icon) in the bottom-left of the Gemini sidebar, or go to gemini.google.com/extensions
Find Google Workspace in the list of extensions
Toggle it on
If prompted, review the permissions and click Allow
What does this do? It gives Gemini permission to read your Gmail messages, Google Drive files, and Google Docs. Gemini uses this access only when you ask it to — it does not read your emails in the background.
I don't see the Google Workspace extension
The extension may not be available if your Google account is managed by an organisation (like a school or employer). Your admin may need to enable it. Try using a personal Gmail account instead.
The extension toggle is greyed out
Make sure you are signed in with a Google account that has Gmail enabled. If you are using a Workspace account, check with your IT admin — they may need to enable Gemini extensions in the Admin console.
3
Test the connection
In the Gemini chat, type this prompt:
Copy this prompt
Copy
Check my Gmail and tell me how many unread emails I have.
You should see Gemini access your Gmail and return a count of your unread messages. If it does, the connection is working.
First time? Gemini may ask you to confirm that it can access your Gmail. Click Allow or Yes when prompted. This is a one-time authorisation.
You can see the Gemini chat interface at gemini.google.com.
Gmail extension enabled
The Google Workspace extension is toggled on in Settings → Extensions.
Connection tested
Gemini can tell you how many unread emails you have.
All set? Head to Summarise your Gmail to get your first AI-powered email summary.
This path gives you a voice-first experience. You will install Gemini CLI, add the Google Workspace extension, and optionally set up Wispr Flow so you can speak your prompts. This takes about 20 minutes.
1
Install Node.js
Already have Node.js? If you installed it for a previous tutorial, skip this step. Run node --version in your terminal to check — you should see a version number like v22.x.x.
Node.js is a free tool that lets you run Gemini CLI on your computer.
Click the big green LTS button to download the installer
Open the downloaded .pkg file
Click Continue through all the screens — the default settings are fine
Click Install, then Close
How do I know it worked?
Open your terminal and type:
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node --version
You should see a version number like v22.x.x. If you see an error, try closing and reopening your terminal, then run the command again.
2
Install Gemini CLI
Already have Gemini CLI? If you installed it for a previous tutorial, skip this step. Just run gemini in your terminal to check it still works.
Gemini CLI is Google’s free AI assistant. It runs in your terminal and helps you with tasks based on your descriptions.Open your terminal and type:
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npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
Wait for the installation to finish. Then start it by typing:
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gemini
The first time you run it, Gemini CLI will ask you to sign in:
Choose “Sign in with Google”
A browser window will open — sign in with your Google account
Come back to the terminal when it says you’re connected
Free tier: 60 requests per minute, 1,000 requests per day — more than enough for this tutorial and everyday use.
'npm' is not recognised
This means Node.js isn’t installed correctly. Go back and reinstall Node.js. After reinstalling, close your terminal completely and open a new one before trying again.
Permission denied error
Windows: Close PowerShell and reopen it by right-clicking and choosing “Run as Administrator”. Then try the install command again.macOS: Add sudo before the command:
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sudo npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
Enter your computer password when prompted (you won’t see characters as you type — that’s normal).
Type /quit to exit Gemini CLI for now. We will start it again after installing the Gmail extension.
This downloads and installs the Google Workspace extension, which gives Gemini CLI the ability to read your Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive.
What is an extension? Extensions are plugins that add new capabilities to Gemini CLI. The Workspace extension adds tools for reading and managing Google services like Gmail — similar to how you might install an app on your phone.
The command fails or hangs
Make sure you have an internet connection and that Node.js is installed correctly. Try running node --version first. If that works but the extension install fails, try closing and reopening your terminal, then running the command again.
4
Authorise Gmail access
Start Gemini CLI:
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gemini
The first time Gemini CLI loads with the Workspace extension, it will ask you to authorise access to your Google account
A browser window will open — sign in with the Google account that has the Gmail you want to summarise
Review the permissions and click Allow
Return to your terminal — Gemini CLI is now connected to your Gmail
Review the permissions carefully. The extension requests access to read your emails, calendar, and drive. Make sure you are comfortable with this before clicking Allow. You can revoke access at any time from your Google Account security settings.
The browser window doesn't open
Copy the URL shown in your terminal and paste it into your browser manually. Complete the sign-in there, then return to the terminal.
I see a 'This app isn't verified' warning
This is normal for community-built tools. Click Advanced → Go to [app name] (unsafe) to continue. Google shows this warning for apps that haven’t gone through their official review process.
5
Install Wispr Flow (optional)
This step is optional. Wispr Flow lets you speak instead of type — handy if you prefer talking over typing. Skip this step if you’d rather type your prompts.
Sign up using this invite link to get a free month of Pro:https://wisprflow.ai/r?CHAN115Both you and the tutorial author benefit — you get a free month of Pro, and they get a free month when you dictate 2,000 words!
Press Enter Command — Automatically press enter when you say “press enter”
Bulk Import — Import snippets and dictionary items
What is Wispr Flow?
Wispr Flow is a voice-to-text tool that lets you dictate instead of type. It works in any application, including your terminal. Instead of typing a long prompt to Gemini CLI, you can just say it out loud. This is especially useful if you find typing slow or tiring.
6
Test the connection
In Gemini CLI, say (with Wispr Flow) or type this prompt:
Say this or copy this prompt
Copy
Check my Gmail and tell me how many unread emails I have.
You should see Gemini CLI access your Gmail and return information about your inbox. If it does, everything is working.
Gemini asks for permission? If Gemini CLI asks to approve a tool call, type y and press Enter. This is normal — it is asking your permission before accessing Gmail.
Gemini says it has no Gmail tools
The extension may not have installed correctly. Try running the install command again:
