| # 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. |
|
|
| <!-- prettier-ignore --> |
| > [!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 |
|
|
| Use the following command in Gemini CLI: |
|
|
| ``` |
| /model |
| ``` |
|
|
| Running this command will open a dialog with your options: |
|
|
| | Option | Description | Models | |
| | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | |
| | Auto (Gemini 3) | Let the system choose the best Gemini 3 model for your task. | gemini-3-pro-preview, gemini-3-flash-preview | |
| | 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 | |
| | Manual | Select 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. |
|
|
| You can also use the `--model` flag to specify a particular Gemini model on |
| startup. For more details, refer to the |
| [configuration documentation](../reference/configuration.md). |
|
|
| Changes to these settings will be applied to all subsequent interactions with |
| Gemini CLI. |
|
|
| ## 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. |
|
|
