Gemini CLI - when I generate an api key, the Plan shows as FREE and does not grant me access

When I generate the key, the plan shows as free. Ideally it should show PAID (as in it is paid by google and free to use to us), as I have seen in some YouTube videos. So I don’t understand what’s the catch here. Is it still pending for a global rollout? Am I doing something wrong?

I am trying to access Gemini CLI in India.

Hey @Abrar_Shaikh ,

Welcome to Forum!

if your API key shows as “Free,” it likely means billing hasn’t been fully set up or activated yet. Even if you’re seeing paid plan options in videos, access can vary by region or rollout timing. Try setting up billing in your Google Cloud Console and see if that unlocks full access.

Thanks!

@Abrar_Shaikh

I believe there might be some mis-interpretation here,

Gemini CLI works on gemini api key irrespective if it’s paid or free
the rate limits change for Free and paid i.e, if its free, you can only use 1000 requests a day. if its paid , based on the tier you are in, you will have higher rate limits of the api.

your google CLI should work with the Free API Keys without a problem.

Please check out the post I have Gemini Cli that I given detailed overview of installing necessary packages calling API and interacting with the model if you have any further questions after that please feel free to contact me or any of the members or moderators we are quite busy there will always be someone to help