# Quick Start: Using Claude Code Subscription

This guide shows you how to use your Claude.ai subscription with OpenClaw instead of paying for API calls.

## Why Use Claude Code Subscription?

- **No API costs**: Use your existing Claude Pro subscription
- **Same capabilities**: Full access to Claude Opus 4.6, Sonnet 4.5, and Haiku 4.5
- **Simple setup**: Just install the CLI and authenticate
- **All features**: Works with all OpenClaw channels and features

## Setup (5 minutes)

### Step 1: Install Claude Code CLI

Choose your preferred installation method:

**Option A: Install script (recommended)**

```bash
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | sh
```

**Option B: npm**

```bash
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
```

**Option C: Homebrew (macOS)**

```bash
brew install anthropics/tap/claude
```

### Step 2: Authenticate

```bash
claude login
```

This will open your browser to authenticate with Claude.ai.

### Step 3: Configure OpenClaw

Run the interactive configuration wizard:

```bash
openclaw configure --section model
```

When prompted:

1. Select **Anthropic**
2. Choose **Claude Code subscription (recommended)**
3. Select your preferred primary model (Sonnet recommended)
4. Optionally select fallback models

That's it! OpenClaw is now configured to use your subscription.

## Quick Test

Send a test message:

```bash
openclaw message send "Hello! This message uses my Claude subscription."
```

You should see a response using your subscription instead of API calls.

## What's Next?

- **Set up channels**: Link WhatsApp, Telegram, or other messaging platforms

  ```bash
  openclaw configure --section channels
  ```

- **Configure gateway**: Set up remote access

  ```bash
  openclaw configure --section gateway
  ```

- **Check status**: View your configuration
  ```bash
  openclaw models list
  openclaw channels status
  ```

## Manual Configuration

If you prefer to edit the config file directly:

```yaml
# ~/.openclaw/config.yaml
agents:
  defaults:
    # Register models (required)
    models:
      claude-cli/opus: {}
      claude-cli/sonnet: {}
      claude-cli/haiku: {}

    # Set primary and fallbacks
    model:
      primary: claude-cli/sonnet
      fallbacks:
        - claude-cli/opus
        - claude-cli/haiku
```

## Available Models

When using `claude-cli` provider:

| Model ID            | Description       | Best For                |
| ------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------------- |
| `claude-cli/opus`   | Claude Opus 4.6   | Complex tasks, analysis |
| `claude-cli/sonnet` | Claude Sonnet 4.5 | Balanced performance    |
| `claude-cli/haiku`  | Claude Haiku 4.5  | Fast, simple tasks      |

## Switching Between Subscription and API

You can use both subscription and API models:

```yaml
agents:
  defaults:
    # Register both CLI and API models
    models:
      claude-cli/opus: {}
      claude-cli/sonnet: {}
      anthropic/claude-opus-4-6: {}

    model:
      primary: claude-cli/sonnet # Use subscription first
      fallbacks:
        - anthropic/claude-opus-4-6 # Fall back to API if needed
```

## Troubleshooting

### "claude: command not found"

The CLI isn't installed or not in PATH. Reinstall:

```bash
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | sh
```

### "Not authenticated"

Run authentication again:

```bash
claude login
```

### "Command failed"

Check your Claude CLI status:

```bash
claude whoami
claude --version
```

## Cost Comparison

**With API** (pay-per-token):

- Opus 4.6: $60/million output tokens
- Sonnet 4.5: $15/million output tokens
- Haiku 4.5: $5/million output tokens

**With Subscription** (fixed monthly cost):

- Unlimited usage within subscription limits
- No per-request costs
- Ideal for development and personal use

## Support

- [Full documentation](/models/claude-code-cli)
- [Model configuration guide](/models/configuration)
- [GitHub issues](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues)
- [Discord community](https://discord.gg/openclaw)