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Gemini CLI model selection (`/model` command)

Select your Gemini CLI model. The /model command lets you configure the model used by Gemini CLI, giving you more control over your results. Use Pro models for complex tasks and reasoning, Flash models for high speed results, or the (recommended) Auto setting to choose the best model for your tasks.

Note: The /model command (and the --model flag) does not override the model used by sub-agents. Consequently, even when using the /model flag you may see other models used in your model usage reports.

How to use the /model command

Section titled “How to use the /model command”

Use the following command in Gemini CLI:

/model

Running this command will open a dialog with your options:

OptionDescriptionModels
Auto (Gemini 3)Let the system choose the best Gemini 3 model for your task.gemini-3-pro-preview (if enabled), gemini-3-flash-preview (if enabled)
Auto (Gemini 2.5)Let the system choose the best Gemini 2.5 model for your task.gemini-2.5-pro, gemini-2.5-flash
ManualSelect a specific model.Any available model.

We recommend selecting one of the above Auto options. However, you can select Manual to select a specific model from those available.

Gemini 3 and preview features

Section titled “Gemini 3 and preview features”

Note: Gemini 3 is not currently available on all account types. To learn more about Gemini 3 access, refer to Gemini 3 on Gemini CLI.

To enable Gemini 3 Pro and Gemini 3 Flash (if available), enable Preview Features by using the settings command.

You can also use the --model flag to specify a particular Gemini model on startup. For more details, refer to the configuration documentation.

Changes to these settings will be applied to all subsequent interactions with Gemini CLI.

Best practices for model selection

Section titled “Best practices for model selection”

  • Default to Auto. For most users, the Auto option model provides a balance between speed and performance, automatically selecting the correct model based on the complexity of the task. Example: Developing a web application could include a mix of complex tasks (building architecture and scaffolding the project) and simple tasks (generating CSS).

  • Switch to Pro if you aren’t getting the results you want. If you think you need your model to be a little “smarter,” you can manually select Pro. Pro will provide you with the highest levels of reasoning and creativity. Example: A complex or multi-stage debugging task.

  • Switch to Flash or Flash-Lite if you need faster results. If you need a simple response quickly, Flash or Flash-Lite is the best option. Example: Converting a JSON object to a YAML string.