Gemini CLI reads a file, says what to do, reads the same file again, says what to do again. In this way it goes into an infinite loop. Then it gives the following error:
A potential loop was detected. This can happen due to repetitive tool calls or other model behavior. The request has been halted.
Nowadays, it has started to do this very often and the code is always incomplete.
Im having the same issue.
Based on your post, it sounds like you’re encountering a frustrating and specific bug with the Gemini CLI. The issue where it gets stuck in a loop, repeatedly reading the same file and suggesting the same action before ultimately halting, is a clear sign of a flaw in the tool’s logic.
This behavior is likely a “race condition” or a state management issue within the CLI itself. Here’s a simplified explanation of what’s probably happening:
* Gemini Analyzes: The CLI sends your file and prompt to the Gemini model.
* Gemini Suggests a Change: The model sends back an instruction to modify the file.
* CLI Executes the Change: The CLI performs the requested action.
* CLI Fails to Update Its State: The CLI, or the underlying system it’s running on, doesn’t immediately recognize that the change has been made.
* Gemini Re-analyzes: The CLI sends the “unchanged” file back to Gemini for the next step.
* The Loop: Gemini, seeing the same file, correctly suggests the same fix again. This repeats until the CLI’s internal loop detection mechanism finally kicks in and stops the process.
The fact that this is happening “very often” now suggests a recent change or update to the Gemini CLI or the underlying model’s behavior has introduced this bug.
What you can do:
* Try to simplify your requests: If you’re asking for a complex change, try breaking it down into smaller, individual steps. This might help the CLI process each change cleanly before moving on.
* Check for a CLI update: There’s a chance a newer version of the Gemini CLI has already fixed this issue. Check the official documentation or release notes for any recent updates.
* Report the bug: The most important step is to report this behavior to the Firebase or Gemini team. Your detailed description of the loop and the specific error message A potential loop was detected… is extremely valuable for them to diagnose and fix the problem. This will not only help you but also other users facing the same issue.