Grok CLI and Grok 4.5 Free Tier Overview

The Breakthrough

xAI has integrated the Grok 4.5 model into the Grok CLI and made it available for free, offering a terminal-based coding agent that performs multi-step tasks, file edits, and command execution without requiring an API key or credit card.

What Actually Worked

• Users can install the agent by running the official curl script provided at x.ai/sqili and authenticating with an existing X or Grok account.
• The interface supports a native sub-agent view to monitor task progress, a Plan Mode for pre-execution logic, and full-screen terminal UI controls.
• The CLI includes a /privacy command that allows users to manage data transmission settings directly within the terminal environment.
• The agent handles complex workflows by reading local codebases, executing shell commands, and iteratively fixing errors during the development process.

Privacy Concerns and Mitigation

Security researchers previously identified that the Grok CLI was uploading entire Git repositories, including sensitive history and secrets, to cloud storage regardless of the "improve the model" toggle state. xAI addressed this behavior through a silent server-side update that disabled the unauthorized uploads. While the issue appears resolved, users should verify their settings via the /privacy command and avoid using the tool on proprietary or sensitive projects until further trust is established.