CLAUDE_CODE_ALLOW_OTHER_MODELS

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CLAUDE_CODE_ALLOW_OTHER_MODELS is a Claude Code environment variable: Set to 1 to start on a model that the --client-data-url document has no entry for, without applying its per-model client data, instead of exiting. Same as --allow-other-models (v2.1.302+). Added between v2.1.301 and v2.1.303 and still present in v2.1.310. It is not in the official reference.

StatusPresent in v2.1.310
AddedAdded between v2.1.301 and v2.1.303
CategoryModels and thinking
Official docsNot listed

How to set it

For one session, export it in the shell that starts Claude Code:

export CLAUDE_CODE_ALLOW_OTHER_MODELS=<value>
claude

To apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:

// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
  "env": {
    "CLAUDE_CODE_ALLOW_OTHER_MODELS": "<value>"
  }
}

Release notes that mention it

Related variables

Frequently asked questions

What does CLAUDE_CODE_ALLOW_OTHER_MODELS do?

Set to 1 to start on a model that the --client-data-url document has no entry for, without applying its per-model client data, instead of exiting. Same as --allow-other-models (v2.1.302+).

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_ALLOW_OTHER_MODELS?

Added between v2.1.301 and v2.1.303 and still present in v2.1.310.

How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_ALLOW_OTHER_MODELS?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_ALLOW_OTHER_MODELS=value), or add it to the "env" object in ~/.claude/settings.json to apply it to every session.

All variables, searchable: Claude Code environment variables.