CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS

Updated October 14, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS 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	Plugins and skills
Official docs	Not listed

How to set it

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

export CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS=<value>
claude

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

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

Release notes that mention it

Claude Code v2.1.209 — Auto Mode Grows Up

Related variables

CLAUDE_CODE_CCR_EARLY_PLUGINS_SYNC
CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS_BUFFERED_DOWNLOAD
CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS_DOWNLOAD_STALL_MS
CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGIN_INSTALL: Install plugins synchronously (block until done).
CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_SKILLS
CLAUDE_CODE_USE_COWORK_PLUGINS: Use cowork_plugins directory instead of default.
FORCE_AUTOUPDATE_PLUGINS: Force auto-update plugins.
CLAUDE_AI_PLUGINS_SCOPE

Frequently asked questions

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS?

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

How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS=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.