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Before we start summarising, let’s get your AI tool connected to Gmail. Choose the path that suits you best.
You will need: a laptop with internet access and a Gmail account. No coding experience is required — we will guide you through every step.

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Choose your path

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 and teaches CLI skills you will use in every tutorial after this one.
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.
  1. Go to nodejs.org
  2. Click the big green LTS button to download the installer
  3. Open the downloaded .msi file
  4. Click Next through all the screens — the default settings are fine
  5. Click Install, then Finish
Open your terminal and type:
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:
Wait for the installation to finish. Then start it by typing:
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.
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.
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:
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.
3

Install the Google Workspace extension

Open your terminal and run this command:
Copy this command
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.
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

  1. Start Gemini CLI:
  1. The first time Gemini CLI loads with the Workspace extension, it will ask you to authorise access to your Google account
  2. A browser window will open — sign in with the Google account that has the Gmail you want to summarise
  3. Review the permissions and click Allow
  4. 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.
Copy the URL shown in your terminal and paste it into your browser manually. Complete the sign-in there, then return to the terminal.
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!
  1. Sign up at wisprflow.ai/r?CHAN115
  2. Download and install the app for your operating system
  3. Configure settings — enable these options for the best experience:
    • Experimental > Command Mode — Enable advanced voice commands
    • Press Enter Command — Automatically press enter when you say “press enter”
    • Bulk Import — Import snippets and dictionary items
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
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.
The extension may not have installed correctly. Try running the install command again:
Then exit (/quit) and restart Gemini CLI. You can check installed extensions with /extensions list.

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Verify your setup

Run node --version in your terminal. You should see a version number.
Run gemini in your terminal. It starts up and shows a prompt where you can type.
The extension installed without errors. You can verify with /extensions list inside Gemini CLI.
You completed the Google sign-in and granted access.
Gemini CLI can tell you about your unread emails when you ask.
All set? Head to Summarise your Gmail to get your first AI-powered email summary.