Command

nylas init

The nylas init command walks you through setting up the Nylas CLI in four steps: creating or logging into your Nylas account, selecting or creating an application, generating an API key, and syncing your connected email accounts. If you already have an API key, pass --api-key to skip the interactive wizard. Works with Gmail, Outlook, Exchange, Yahoo, iCloud, and IMAP.

Usage

nylas init [--api-key KEY] [--region us|eu] [--google|--microsoft|--github]

Flags

Flag	Description
--json	Output as JSON
--no-color	Disable color output
--verbose(-v)	Enable verbose output
--config	Custom config file path
--help(-h)	Show help for the command
--limit	Limit results (most list commands)
--yes(-y)	Skip confirmations
--api-key	Nylas API key (skips interactive wizard)
--region(-r)	API region: us or eu (default: us)
--google	Use Google SSO for account creation/login
--microsoft	Use Microsoft SSO for account creation/login
--github	Use GitHub SSO for account creation/login

Examples

Interactive guided setup

nylas init
# Follow the 4-step wizard:
#   Step 1: Create account or log in
#   Step 2: Select or create application
#   Step 3: Generate API key
#   Step 4: Sync email accounts

Quick setup with existing API key

nylas init --api-key nyl_abc123

Quick setup for EU region

nylas init --api-key nyl_abc123 --region eu

Start with Google SSO

nylas init --google

Troubleshooting

Wizard fails with 'non-interactive mode requires --api-key'

The wizard needs a terminal (TTY). In CI/CD or scripts, pass --api-key directly.

SSO browser window doesn't open

Copy the URL printed in the terminal and open it manually in your browser.

API key verification fails

Check the key at dashboard-v3.nylas.com. Ensure no extra whitespace when pasting.

Recommended guides

Getting Started with Nylas CLI

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Automate Email with Manus AI: Beginner Guide

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OpenClaw Nylas Plugin — npm Install Guide

Install @nylas/openclaw-nylas-plugin to give OpenClaw 14 native email, calendar, and contacts tools. Multi-account, typed schemas, auto-discovery.

Run nylas init --help for full help output.