diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index fabe3bd..afc39e5 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -80,11 +80,7 @@ To install this as a [Gemini CLI](https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli) e
 gemini extensions install https://github.com/pinecone-io/pinecone-mcp
 ```
 
-You will need to provide your Pinecone API key in the `PINECONE_API_KEY` environment variable.
-
-```bash
-export PINECONE_API_KEY=<your pinecone api key>
-```
+You will need to provide your Pinecone API key when prompted.
 
 When you run `gemini` and press `ctrl+t`, `pinecone` should now be shown in the list of installed MCP servers.
 
diff --git a/gemini-extension.json b/gemini-extension.json
index 6f52a51..a793a6d 100644
--- a/gemini-extension.json
+++ b/gemini-extension.json
@@ -6,5 +6,13 @@
       "command": "npx",
       "args": ["-y", "@pinecone-database/mcp"]
     }
-  }
+  },
+  "settings": [
+    {
+      "name": "Pinecone API Key",
+      "description": "Pinecone API Key",
+      "envVar": "PINECONE_API_KEY",
+      "sensitive": true   
+    }
+  ]
 }