CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_NARRATION

Updated October 14, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_NARRATION is a Claude Code environment variable. Removed in v2.1.284, so current releases ignore it. It is not in the official reference.

Status	Removed in v2.1.284
Added	Added between v2.1.229 and v2.1.234
Category	Feature toggles
Official docs	Not listed

How to set it

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

export CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_NARRATION=<value>
claude

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

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

Related variables

CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_AWAY_SUMMARY: Enables generation of a summary when the user returns after being away from an active session.
CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_CFC: Enable Claude for Chrome browser automation.
CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_PROMPT_SUGGESTION: Enables a prompt suggestion feature in the Claude Code UI.
CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_SDK_FILE_CHECKPOINTING: Enable file checkpointing in SDK mode.
CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_TASKS: Enable the task system.
CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_XAA: Enables an internal feature flagged as "XAA." The acronym is opaque, but the ENABLE_ prefix and proximity to other experimental flags suggest this is an opt-in capability still under development.
ENABLE_BETA_TRACING_DETAILED: Enable detailed beta tracing.
ENABLE_BTW: Enable "by the way" suggestions.

Frequently asked questions

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_NARRATION?

Removed in v2.1.284, so current releases ignore it.

How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_NARRATION?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_NARRATION=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.