CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_CACHE_DIR

Updated October 13, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_CACHE_DIR is a Claude Code environment variable: Local cache directory for downloaded plugins. Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294. It is listed in the official reference.

Status	Present in v2.1.294
Added	Present since v2.1.69 or earlier
Category	Plugins and skills
Official docs	Listed

How to set it

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

export CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_CACHE_DIR=<value>
claude

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

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

Release notes that mention it

Related variables

CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCH
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_SEED_DIR: Seed directory for pre-installed plugins.
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE: Use zip-based caching instead of git.
CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_BACKGROUND_PLUGIN_REFRESH: Enables automatic background plugin refresh when the runtime detects updates are needed.
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIRS
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_KEEP_MARKETPLACE_ON_FAILURE: Preserves the local marketplace plugin cache when git pull fails.
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_PREFER_HTTPS: Force HTTPS for plugin source resolution.
CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGIN_INSTALL: Install plugins synchronously (block until done).

Frequently asked questions

What does CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_CACHE_DIR do?

Local cache directory for downloaded plugins

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_CACHE_DIR?

Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294.

How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_CACHE_DIR?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_CACHE_DIR=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.