Source: https://cli.nylas.com/docs/commands/init

# 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

```bash
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

```bash
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

```bash
nylas init --api-key nyl_abc123
```

### Quick setup for EU region

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

### Start with Google SSO

```bash
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

[Install Nylas Skills for AI Coding AgentsInstall nylas-cli and nylas-api skills in Claude Code, Cursor, Codex CLI, Windsurf, and 30+ AI coding agents with one command.](https://cli.nylas.com/guides/nylas-agent-skills)

[Getting Started with the CLISet up Nylas CLI in under a minute. The nylas init wizard creates your account, picks an application, generates an API key, and syncs your email accounts. Covers install, first-run welcome screen, dashboard management, AI chat, and config reset.](https://cli.nylas.com/guides/getting-started)

[Give Your AI Coding Agent an Email AddressConnect Claude Code, Cursor, OpenAI Codex CLI, Windsurf, and OpenClaw to a real email account via MCP. Step-by-step setup for each tool using Nylas CLI.](https://cli.nylas.com/guides/give-ai-agent-email-address)

[Install OpenClaw CLI for the Nylas PluginInstall OpenClaw so you can run the Nylas plugin. Covers npm install, PATH fixes, Windows setup, and plugin installation.](https://cli.nylas.com/guides/openclaw-cli-setup)

[Automate Email with Manus AI: Beginner GuideFive-minute quickstart for Manus + Nylas CLI. Install the Skill, authenticate one mailbox, send a test email, list recent mail, and run your first search.](https://cli.nylas.com/guides/manus-ai-email-tutorial)

[Install the OpenClaw Nylas PluginInstall @nylas/openclaw-nylas-plugin to add native email, calendar, and contact tools to OpenClaw. Covers API key setup, grant discovery, and plugin vs exec.](https://cli.nylas.com/guides/install-openclaw-nylas-plugin)

Run `nylas init --help` for full help output.