Most post-install issues are authentication, not installation. This guide covers Claude Code login on desktop and CLI, plan eligibility, browser handoffs, and enterprise restrictions.
First sign-in flow
- Launch the app or CLI after install.
- Choose "Sign in" and complete browser OAuth if redirected.
- Return to the app — you should see your account email or org name.
- Run a trivial prompt to confirm model access.
Plans and quotas
Features and rate limits depend on your Anthropic plan. Pro, Team, and Enterprise tiers differ in model access, seat management, and data policies. Check your subscription before scheduling large agent jobs.
Common login failures
- Browser blocked — default browser must open; try setting a system default.
- Corporate SSO — follow IT instructions; personal accounts may be disabled.
- Clock skew — sync system time; OAuth fails on large drift.
- VPN/proxy — split tunnel or allowlist Anthropic domains.
Switching accounts
Sign out fully before changing personal vs work accounts. Leftover tokens cause confusing permission errors. On shared machines, avoid staying signed in.
Security hygiene
Do not paste session tokens into chat logs or screenshots. Use device passcodes on laptops that hold production checkouts.
If login works but models fail, continue with troubleshooting.
Ready to install Claude Code? Start on our download page, then use the official installer.
Open download page Official download