Claude Code model configuration

This guide shows you three ways to change which Claude model you're using with Claude Code: the quick /model command for instant changes, the --model flag for one-time session changes, and environment variables to set your preferred model as the permanent default.

Easiest method: Use /model command

The simplest way to change models is to use the /model command directly within Claude Code. This works immediately without restarting your terminal.

Start Claude Code: claude Type /model and choose your desired model from the interactive menu. Your model change takes effect immediately.

Note: You can check your current model anytime by running /status in Claude Code.

Supported models

Opus 4.7, claude-opus-4-7

Sonnet 4.6, claude-sonnet-4-6

Opus 4.6, claude-opus-4-6

Opus 4.5, claude-opus-4-5-20251101

Haiku 4.5, claude-haiku-4-5-20251001

Sonnet 4.5, claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929

⚠️ Model access: When using a Pro plan with Claude Code, you will only be able to use Opus models after enabling and purchasing extra usage.

Change model for current session only

Use the --model flag when starting Claude Code.

Start a fresh Terminal session. Enter the following commands (depending on the model you’d like to use for that session): For Opus 4.7: claude --model claude-opus-4-7

For Sonnet 4.6: claude --model claude-sonnet-4-6

For Opus 4.6: claude --model claude-opus-4-6

For Opus 4.5: claude --model claude-opus-4-5-20251101

For Haiku 4.5: claude --model claude-haiku-4-5-20251001

For Sonnet 4.5: claude --model claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929

Change default model for all future sessions

Step 1) Check your shell type by running: echo $SHELL

/bin/zsh → You're using zsh (macOS default)

/bin/bash → You're using bash (Linux default)

Step 2) Add model setting to your shell config:

For ZSH users (macOS)

Opus 4.7: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-opus-4-7"' >> ~/.zshrc

Sonnet 4.6: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-sonnet-4-6"' >> ~/.zshrc

Opus 4.6: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-opus-4-6"' >> ~/.zshrc

Opus 4.5: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-opus-4-5-20251101"' >> ~/.zshrc

Haiku 4.5: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-haiku-4-5-20251001"' >> ~/.zshrc

Sonnet 4.5: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929"' >> ~/.zshrc

For BASH users (Linux)

Opus 4.7: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-opus-4-7"' >> ~/.bashrc

Sonnet 4.6: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-sonnet-4-6"' >> ~/.bashrc

Opus 4.6: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-opus-4-6"' >> ~/.bashrc

Opus 4.5: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-opus-4-5-20251101"' >> ~/.bashrc

Haiku 4.5: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-haiku-4-5-20251001"' >> ~/.bashrc

Sonnet 4.5: echo 'export ANTHROPIC_MODEL="claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929"' >> ~/.bashrc

Step 3) Apply the changes:

For ZSH: source ~/.zshrc

For BASH: source ~/.bashrc

Step 4) Close Terminal completely, then reopen it.

Step 5) Start Claude Code in a fresh Terminal session: claude .