CLAUDE_BG_SOCKET_TOKENS_PATH

Updated October 14, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_BG_SOCKET_TOKENS_PATH is a Claude Code environment variable. Added between v2.1.143 and v2.1.212 and still present in v2.1.295. It is not in the official reference.

Status	Present in v2.1.295
Added	Added between v2.1.143 and v2.1.212
Category	Authentication
Official docs	Not listed

How to set it

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

export CLAUDE_BG_SOCKET_TOKENS_PATH=<value>
claude

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

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

Related variables

CLAUDE_BG_AUTH_SNAPSHOT_PATH: Path for snapshotting background session auth credentials to disk.
CLAUDE_CODE_FILE_READ_MAX_OUTPUT_TOKENS: Max tokens for file read output.
CLAUDE_CODE_IDLE_COMPACT_MIN_TOKENS: Sets the minimum conversation size, in tokens, before idle compaction runs.
CLAUDE_CODE_MAX_CONTEXT_TOKENS: Sets an explicit ceiling on the context window size used during a session.
CLAUDE_CODE_MAX_OUTPUT_TOKENS: Maximum output tokens; validated per-model.
MAX_MCP_OUTPUT_TOKENS: Max tokens for MCP tool output.
MAX_THINKING_TOKENS: Likely controlled via API settings now.
CLAUDE_CODE_TOTAL_TOKENS_REMINDER

Frequently asked questions

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_BG_SOCKET_TOKENS_PATH?

Added between v2.1.143 and v2.1.212 and still present in v2.1.295.

How do I set CLAUDE_BG_SOCKET_TOKENS_PATH?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_BG_SOCKET_TOKENS_PATH=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.