# Connect Gemini CLI to the Smartsheet MCP server

With Gemini CLI connected to the Smartsheet MCP server, you can interact with your Smartsheet data using natural language.

Requirements
**Plan:** Business, Enterprise, or Advanced Work Management

## Connection steps

With Gemini CLI, you can configure an MCP server connection for a local project or your user.

Note
For options on configuring MCP server connections (including connection scope), please refer to the Gemini CLI documentation.

### Gemini CLI project-specific setup

This is the simplest way to connect for a session.

1. Execute the following command, with your values:

```bash
gemini mcp add \
  -t http \
  -H "Authorization:Bearer ${SMARTSHEET_API_TOKEN}" \
  smartsheet-mcp https://mcp.smartsheet.com
```
Replace:
  - `${SMARTSHEET_API_TOKEN}` with the [environment variable](/ai-mcp/smartsheet/install-the-smartsheet-mcp-server#environment-variables) for your Smartsheet API token.
  - `smartsheet-mcp` with a name you're using for the connection.
  - The URL with [your region's URL](/ai-mcp/smartsheet/install-the-smartsheet-mcp-server#prerequisites), if you're using a regional server outside the US.
2. Verify your server connection:

```bash
gemini mcp list
```
The Smartsheet MCP server appears in the list, and its status is `Connected` or `Running`.
3. Test the MCP server connection with a prompt.

```
List the Smartsheet MCP server tools.
```
The response includes Smartsheet tools such as `get_sheet_summary` and more.


You've connected Gemini CLI to the Smartsheet MCP server for your project.

Note
The connection persists within the folder where you've invoked it. The hidden folder `./gemini/` contains your configuration.

### Gemini CLI global user configuration

Here's how to configure the MCP server for use anywhere on your machine.

1. Edit `~/.gemini/settings.json` and add an `mcpServers` section like the one below:

```javascript
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "smartsheet-mcp": {
      "httpUrl": "https://mcp.smartsheet.com",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer ${SMARTSHEET_API_TOKEN}"
      }
    }
  }
}
```
Replace:
  - `smartsheet-mcp` with a name you're using for the connection.
  - `${SMARTSHEET_API_TOKEN}` with the [environment variable](/ai-mcp/smartsheet/install-the-smartsheet-mcp-server#environment-variables) for your Smartsheet API token.
  - `httpUrl` value with [your region's URL](/ai-mcp/smartsheet/install-the-smartsheet-mcp-server#prerequisites)
2. Verify your server connection:

```bash
gemini mcp list
```
The Smartsheet MCP server appears in the list, and its status is `Connected` or `Running`.
3. Test the MCP server connection with a prompt.

```
List the Smartsheet MCP server tools.
```
The response includes Smartsheet tools such as `get_sheet_summary` and more.


You've connected Gemini CLI to the Smartsheet MCP server for your user.

## What's next?

Now that you've connected to the Smartsheet MCP server, you can interact with your Smartsheet data in a conversational way.

Check out the example prompts in Use the Smartsheet Connector with Claude.

Want to learn more about the MCP server's capabilities? Visit [Smartsheet MCP server tools](/ai-mcp/smartsheet/mcp-server-tools).