How to use Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B from Google with API Key

Learn how to access and use Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B with your Google API key through TypingMind. Get started with this powerful AI model in minutes.

Google Gemini is Google DeepMind's advanced multimodal AI platform designed for the "agentic era," with the latest Gemini 2.5 family of models released in 2025 featuring breakthrough thinking and reasoning capabilities.

The current lineup includes Gemini 2.5 Deep Think (most advanced reasoning model using parallel multi-agent reasoning for complex math and coding), Gemini 2.5 Pro (flagship thinking model with enhanced performance and 1M token context window), Gemini 2.5 Flash (fastest thinking model balancing speed and intelligence), and Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite (optimized for cost-effective deployment).

Key features include native tool use, multimodal understanding (text, images, audio, video), code execution integration, Google Search connectivity, reinforcement learning-enhanced reasoning, and the ability to think through responses before answering for improved accuracy.

Official Documentation: https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/pricing

Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B Overview

Model NameGemini 1.5 Flash-8B
ProviderGoogle
Model IDgemini-1.5-flash-8b
Release DateOct 3, 2024
Last UpdatedOct 3, 2024
Knowledge Cutoff2024-04
Context Window1,000,000 tokens
Max Output8,192 tokens
Pricing /1M tokens$0.038 input
$0.15 output
$0.01 cache read
Input Modalitiestext, image, audio, video
Output Modalitiestext
Capabilities
File UploadTool CallingTemperature Control

Complete Setup Guide

1

Get Your Google API Key

First, you'll need to obtain an API key from Google. This key allows you to access their AI models directly and pay only for what you use.

  1. Visit Google's API console
  2. Sign up or log in to your account
  3. Navigate to the API keys section
  4. Generate a new API key (copy it immediately as some providers only show it once)
  5. Save your API key in a secure password manager or encrypted note

⚠️ Important: Keep your API key secure and never share it publicly. Store it safely as you'll need it to connect with TypingMind.

2

Configure TypingMind with Google API Key

  1. Open TypingMind in your browser
  2. Click the "Settings" icon (gear symbol)
  3. Navigate to "Models" section
  4. Click "Add Custom Model"
  5. Fill in the model information:
    Name: gemini-1.5-flash-8b via Google (or your preferred name)
    Endpoint: https://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/models
    Model ID: gemini-1.5-flash-8b
    Context Length: Enter the model's context window (e.g., 1000000 for gemini-1.5-flash-8b)
    Google Endpoint URL input fieldgemini-1.5-flash-8bhttps://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/modelsgemini-1.5-flash-8b via Googlehttps://www.typingmind.com/model-logo.webp1000000
  6. Add custom headers by clicking "Add Custom Headers" in the Advanced Settings section:
    x-goog-api-key: <GEMINI_API_KEY>:
    X-Title: typingmind.com
    HTTP-Referer: https://www.typingmind.com
  7. Enable "Support Plugins (via OpenAI Functions)" if the model supports the "functions" or "tool_calls" parameter, or enable "Support OpenAI Vision" if the model supports vision.
  8. Click "Test" to verify the configuration
  9. If you see "Nice, the endpoint is working!", click "Add Model"
3

Start chatting with Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B

Now you can start chatting with Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B through TypingMind:

  • Select Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B from the model dropdown menu
  • Start typing your message in the chat input
  • Enjoy faster responses and better features than the official interface
  • Switch between different AI models as needed
The best frontend AI chat for gemini-1.5-flash-8b via OpenRouter API KeyThe best frontend AI chat for gemini-1.5-flash-8b via OpenRouter API Keygemini-1.5-flash-8bThe best frontend AI chat for gemini-1.5-flash-8b via OpenRouter API Key

💡 Pro tips for better results:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a subscription to use Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B?

No! With Google API, you pay only for what you use with no monthly subscription. Add credits to your Google account and pay as you go. TypingMind is also a one-time purchase, not a subscription.

How much will it cost to use Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B?

Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B costs $0.0375/1M input tokens and $0.15/1M output tokens. A typical conversation might cost $0.01-0.10 depending on length.

Can I use other models besides Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B?

Yes! With Google API + TypingMind, you can access all Google models. Switch between them instantly in TypingMind.

Is my data private and secure?

Yes! TypingMind stores conversations locally (web version in browser, desktop version on your device). Google handles API calls securely. Check Google's data policy for specifics.

Can I use Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B for commercial projects?

Yes! Check Google's terms of service for specific commercial use policies. TypingMind supports commercial use.