openclaw/docs/quickstart/claude-code-subscription.md

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)

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

Option B: npm

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

Option C: Homebrew (macOS)

brew install anthropics/tap/claude

Step 2: Authenticate

claude login

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

Step 3: Configure OpenClaw

Run the interactive configuration wizard:

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:

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

  openclaw configure --section channels
  

• Configure gateway: Set up remote access

  openclaw configure --section gateway
  

• Check status: View your configuration

  openclaw models list
  openclaw channels status
  

Manual Configuration

If you prefer to edit the config file directly:

# ~/.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:

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:

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

"Not authenticated"

Run authentication again:

claude login

"Command failed"

Check your Claude CLI status:

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
• Model configuration guide
• GitHub issues
• Discord community