Troubleshooting

This page covers Claude Code usage issues. For installation and authentication issues, consult the official Claude Code documentation.

Context & Memory Issues

Claude Forgets Context

Symptoms: Asks questions already answered, contradicts itself, loses track of the task.

Solutions:

> /compact              # Compress context to essential info
> /clear                # Start fresh (loses all context)

Or start a new session:

exit
claude

Context Window Errors

Symptoms: Errors about context length, dropped messages, incomplete responses.

Solutions:

> /compact

If that doesn’t help, start a fresh session with a summary:

exit
claude "continuing: [brief summary of task]"

Performance Issues

High Token Usage

Use /compact frequently during long sessions
Start new sessions for unrelated tasks
Be specific to reduce back-and-forth
Use Haiku for simple tasks, Sonnet only when needed

Check your spending with ccusage:

npx ccusage

Slow Responses

Check your network/VPN connection
Try Haiku: /model claude-haiku-4-5
Reduce active MCP servers: /mcp
Check if context is bloated: /compact

Permission Issues

Claude Won’t Execute Commands

Claude needs permission to run certain commands. Check your config:

cat ~/.claude/settings.json

You can auto-approve safe commands:

{
  "permissions": {
    "allow": ["Bash(git *)", "Bash(npm *)", "Read(*)", "Write(*)"]
  }
}

Claude Can’t Access Files

Check file permissions: ls -la filename
Verify you own the files: sudo chown -R $USER:$USER ./project
Check if file is in .gitignore (Claude may skip ignored files by default)

MCP Server Issues

MCP Server Won’t Connect

# Check server status
claude mcp status

# Restart a specific server
claude mcp restart <name>

# Remove and re-add
claude mcp remove <name>
claude mcp add <name> -- <command>

MCP Server Causes Errors

Try disabling the problematic server temporarily:

> /mcp

Then toggle off the server causing issues.

Model Issues

Wrong Model / Unexpected Costs

Check your current model:

> /model

Switch to Haiku (most cost-effective):

> /model claude-haiku-4-5

For complex tasks, temporarily use Sonnet:

> /model claude-sonnet-4-5

For supported models and pricing, see the official Claude documentation.

Getting More Help

Usage issues with Claude Code: Check official Claude Code docs
Installation & auth issues: See Claude Code installation guide
Still stuck? Visit the Claude Code GitHub discussions