diff --git a/ai/assistant.mdx b/ai/assistant.mdx
index b16a02fa3..bae8f5e04 100644
--- a/ai/assistant.mdx
+++ b/ai/assistant.mdx
@@ -298,6 +298,12 @@ Open the assistant with a URL query parameter to create deep links that guide us
 - **Open with a pre-filled query**: Append `?assistant=YOUR_QUERY` to open the assistant and automatically submit a question.
   - Example: [https://mintlify.com/docs?assistant=explain webhooks](https://mintlify.com/docs?assistant=explain%20webhooks)
 
+## Local development
+
+The assistant is available in local development when you are logged into the CLI. Run `mint login` to authenticate, then start your local preview with `mint dev`. The assistant uses your published documentation's indexed content during local development.
+
+See [Search and assistant in local preview](/installation#search-and-assistant-in-local-preview) for setup instructions.
+
 ## Troubleshooting
 
 <Accordion title="Assistant chat bar not visible">
diff --git a/installation.mdx b/installation.mdx
index 68eca503e..f947d1ffe 100644
--- a/installation.mdx
+++ b/installation.mdx
@@ -95,6 +95,28 @@ Alternatively, if you do not want to install the CLI globally, you can run a one
 npx mint dev
 ```
 
+### Search and assistant in local preview
+
+Log in to the CLI to enable search and the [AI assistant](/ai/assistant) during local development. Run `mint login` to authenticate with your Mintlify account:
+
+```bash
+mint login
+```
+
+After logging in, search and the assistant are available in your local preview. The assistant uses the same configuration and indexed content as your published documentation site.
+
+To check your current authentication status:
+
+```bash
+mint status
+```
+
+To log out:
+
+```bash
+mint logout
+```
+
 ### Custom ports
 
 By default, the CLI uses port 3000. You can customize the port using the `--port` flag. To run the CLI on port 3333, for instance, use this command: