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.

Written by Qasim Muhammad Staff SRE

Published February 13, 2026Updated May 9, 2026

What does nylas init do?

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.

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Run nylas init --help for full help output.