Home Vinci Code How do I connect Vinci Code without an API key?

How do I connect Vinci Code without an API key?

Last updated on Jul 30, 2026

Vinci Code includes a keyless login option that pairs your CLI to your Vinci account in the browser — no API key to copy or paste.

Install Vinci Code

Install the latest release with one command:

curl -fsSL https://vinci.getsimpledirect.com/install | sh

Then run vinci to start the interactive coding agent.

This works on macOS and Linux and needs Node.js v22.19 or later. On Linux, also install bubblewrap (sudo apt install bubblewrap) — Vinci Code runs shell commands inside an OS sandbox and will not run them without it. On Windows, run Vinci Code inside WSL2; Command Prompt and PowerShell are not supported yet. See What do I need to run Vinci Code? for the full list.

Pair with your account

On first run or when you need to log in:

  1. Run vinci and type /login vinci — a browser window opens to platform.getsimpledirect.com/device.
  2. Authorize the device with one click.
  3. The CLI receives its own revocable key (stored securely in ~/.pi/agent/).
  4. You're ready to code — no key to manage or paste.

What this means

  • No secrets in the terminal — the device pairing uses an RFC 8628 flow (the same pattern as GitHub's device login or Google's phone sign-in).
  • Revocable access — you can revoke the CLI's key anytime on the Vinci Platform under API keys.
  • Shared billing — the CLI uses your account credits, charged against the same USD balance as Vinci Chat and the mobile app.

Using an API key (fallback)

If you prefer, you can still use an API key. Generate one on the Vinci Platform, then pass it as an environment variable:

export VINCI_API_KEY=your_key_here
vinci

But device pairing is the recommended way — it's simpler and more secure.