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Debug authentication failures, OAuth errors, and API key issues with platform-specific solutions and automated management tools
Configuration issues represent a significant portion of Claude Code support requests. OAuth callback failures and API key exposure risks remain top concerns. This guide addresses the most common configuration problems through proper setup patterns.
Primary Symptoms: OAuth account information missing, API key not found errors, permission denied on file operations, MCP server connection failures
Common Triggers: SSH environment limitations, corporate network restrictions, cross-platform path conflicts, expired OAuth tokens
Affected Versions: Claude Code 3.0+, all platforms (Windows/macOS/Linux)
Impact Level: Complete workflow disruption - no code generation possible
Error occurs during initial setup?
| Error Code | Severity | Message | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUTH_001 | Remove all Claude directories (~/.claude, ~/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/). Clear npm cache. Reinstall fresh. | ||
| AUTH_002 | Run /doctor command. Set install method: claude config set --global installMethod npm-global | ||
| PERM_001 | Configure permission scopes: Read(src/**), Edit(/docs/**), Deny(~/.env) | ||
| MCP_001 | Set STACK_EXCHANGE_API_KEY and MAX_REQUEST_PER_WINDOW=30 in configuration |
Automated Environment Management: Use direnv for directory-based configuration loading
Container-Based Development: Docker ensures consistent environments - Prevents platform-specific issues entirely
Regular Validation Checks: Run claude doctor weekly - Early detection of configuration drift
Alternative approaches for persistent or unusual cases
# Essential diagnostic commands for Claude Code
# Check overall configuration health
claude doctor
# View all configuration settings
claude config list --all
# Test authentication status
claude auth status --verbose
# Verify environment variables
env | grep ANTHROPIC
# Check file permissions
claude code --test-permissions ./
# View OAuth token status
claude token info
# Reset configuration completely
claude config reset --all
# Force new authentication
claude /login --force
# Check MCP server status
claude mcp status
# View error logs
claude logs --tail 50
# Test API connectivity
claude api testUse .gitignore patterns: .env*, secrets/**, *.key to prevent exposure
Use vault integration or cloud secret managers for automatic rotation
Block ~/.ssh, ~/.aws, ~/.env with explicit deny permissions
Development, staging, production require isolated credentials
Set CLAUDE_CODE_API_KEY_HELPER_TTL_MS for automatic refresh
Review file access patterns and command restrictions regularly
# Enable WSL and install Ubuntu
wsl --install -d Ubuntu
wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2
# Configure WSL resources
@"
[wsl2]
memory=8GB
processors=4
swap=2GB
localhostForwarding=true
"@ | Out-File -FilePath "$env:USERPROFILE.wslconfig" -Encoding utf8
# Install Claude Code in WSL
wsl -d Ubuntu -e bash -c "curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash"#!/bin/bash
# Store API key in Keychain
security add-generic-password \
-a "$USER" \
-s "Claude Code API" \
-w "sk-ant-api-03-..."
# Retrieve API key from Keychain
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=$(security find-generic-password \
-a "$USER" \
-s "Claude Code API" \
-w)
# Configure Claude to use Keychain
claude config set apiKeyHelper "./keychain-helper.sh"version: '3.8'
services:
claude:
image: node:18-alpine
volumes:
- ./workspace:/workspace
- claude-config:/home/node/.claude
environment:
- ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=${ANTHROPIC_API_KEY}
- NODE_ENV=development
command: >
sh -c "npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code &&
claude code --project /workspace"
volumes:
claude-config:Team Plans: Enhanced usage limits per seat
Enterprise Plans: Maximum usage with priority support
Shared Configuration: CLAUDE.md files define team standards
Role Management: Settings → Members for seat allocation
Additional resources for related problems and advanced topics
Debug Model Context Protocol server connections for GitHub, Stack Exchange, and filesystem access. Common when extending Claude's capabilities.
View ResourceResolve slow response times, memory issues, and processing delays. Often occurs with large codebases or complex projects.
View ResourceComprehensive technical reference from Anthropic with API specifications and configuration details.
View ResourceAdvanced deployment strategies for large teams including CI/CD integration and container orchestration.
View ResourceActive community forum for troubleshooting help and user-contributed solutions.
View ResourceComprehensive guide to preventing common Claude issues and maintaining optimal performance.
View ResourceProblem solved? Great! Consider implementing direnv for automatic environment management to prevent recurrence.
Still having issues? Join our community for additional support or contact Anthropic support for enterprise assistance.
Found a new solution? Share it with the community to help others facing the same issue.
Last updated: September 2025 | Solutions verified against Claude Code 3.0+ | Found this helpful? Bookmark for future reference and explore more troubleshooting guides.
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