CLAUDE_CODE_GATEWAY_TOKEN

Updated October 14, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_CODE_GATEWAY_TOKEN is a Claude Code environment variable. Added between v2.1.266 and v2.1.269 and still present in v2.1.295. It is not in the official reference.

Status	Present in v2.1.295
Added	Added between v2.1.266 and v2.1.269
Category	Authentication
Official docs	Not listed

How to set it

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

export CLAUDE_CODE_GATEWAY_TOKEN=<value>
claude

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

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

Related variables

CLAUDE_CODE_GATEWAY_TOKEN_FILE_DESCRIPTOR
ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN: Alternative bearer token; takes priority over API key.
CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_TOKEN_USAGE_ATTACHMENT: Attach token usage info to messages.
CLAUDE_CODE_IDLE_TOKEN_THRESHOLD: Works alongside CLAUDE_CODE_IDLE_THRESHOLD_MINUTES to gate when the idle-return prompt appears.
CLAUDE_CODE_MESSAGING_TOKEN: Controls access to the local inbox for cross-session messages.
CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_REFRESH_TOKEN: OAuth refresh token.
CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN: Pre-configured OAuth access token.
CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN_FILE_DESCRIPTOR: File descriptor to read OAuth token from.

Frequently asked questions

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_GATEWAY_TOKEN?

Added between v2.1.266 and v2.1.269 and still present in v2.1.295.

How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_GATEWAY_TOKEN?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_GATEWAY_TOKEN=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.