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Claude Code API: Run It on FreeTheAI Models

Claude Code can run on FreeTheAI's Anthropic-compatible Messages endpoint. Point ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL at FreeTheAI and choose which model fills each Claude slot.

WebsiteAPI reference

Steps

  1. Add the settings

    Put this in ~/.claude/settings.json (on Windows, %USERPROFILE%\.claude\settings.json). Never put your key in a project's shared .claude/settings.json.

    json
    {
  "env": {
    "ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL": "https://api.freetheai.org",
    "ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN": "ftai_your_key_here",
    "ANTHROPIC_MODEL": "glm-5.3",
    "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OPUS_MODEL": "glm-5.3",
    "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_SONNET_MODEL": "glm-5.3",
    "ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL": "glm-5.3-flash",
    "CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_NONESSENTIAL_TRAFFIC": "1"
  }
}

  2. Start Claude Code

    Run claude, then /status. The Anthropic base URL line should show https://api.freetheai.org.

  3. Add funds

    Paid models bill your wallet. Add funds at freetheai.org/dashboard/wallet and follow a provider of the model on its page, or requests are refused.

How this guide was checked: Tested end to end with Claude Code 2.1.284 on 2026-09-29 (reads a file with its Read tool on three FreeTheAI models).

Tips

  • Claude Code warns that FreeTheAI models are not in its model catalog. That is expected; it still works and assumes a 200K context.
  • The HAIKU model runs background tasks such as titles, so a fast model fits there.
  • If a model answers 400 about unknown fields, add "CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_EXPERIMENTAL_BETAS": "1".

Troubleshooting

Is using Claude Code with FreeTheAI official?

No. Claude Code supports custom gateways through ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL, but Anthropic does not support non-Claude models behind one, so some Claude-only features may not work.

Does Claude Code tool use work on FreeTheAI?

Yes. File reading and other tools were tested on 2026-09-29 with glm-5.3 and kimi-k3.1-pro.

Does it use my Claude subscription?

No. While ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN is set, requests go to FreeTheAI with your FreeTheAI key and do not count against a claude.ai plan.

Common errors

  • 401: the key is wrong or incomplete. Paste the whole key.
  • 403: follow a provider of the model, or confirm your email.
  • 404: the model ID or URL is wrong.
  • 429: daily limit reached, or too many requests at once.

More guides: Coding tools

All setup guides

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