How to Switch from Anthropic API Key to Claude Pro/Max/Team Subscription in Claude Code

I’ll introduce the steps to switch the login method in Claude Code, Anthropic’s agentive coding tool that runs in the terminal, from API key to Claude Pro/Max/Team subscription account.

The switch is very simple and can be completed in just 2 steps.

First, run the claude command in the terminal to launch the interactive prompt.

claude

When the prompt appears, enter the /logout command and press Enter.

› /logout

This will clear the currently saved authentication information such as API keys.

After logging out is complete, run the claude command in the terminal again.

claude

You will then see a screen to select the login method as follows:

╭──────────────────────────╮
│ ✻ Welcome to Claude Code │
╰──────────────────────────╯

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 ██║     ██║     ██╔══██║██║   ██║██║  ██║██╔══╝
 ╚██████╗███████╗██║  ██║╚██████╔╝██████╔╝███████╗
  ╚═════╝╚══════╝╚═╝  ╚═╝ ╚═════╝ ╚═════╝ ╚══════╝
  ██████╗ ██████╗ ██████╗ ███████╗
 ██╔════╝██╔═══██╗██╔══██╗██╔════╝
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 ╚██████╗╚██████╔╝██████╔╝███████╗
  ╚═════╝ ╚═════╝ ╚═════╝ ╚══════╝


 Claude Code can now be used with your Claude subscription or billed based on API usage through your Console account.


 Select login method:

 ❯ 1. Claude account with subscription
    Starting at $20/mo for Pro, $100/mo for Max - Best value, predictable pricing

   2. Anthropic Console account
    API usage billing

Here, use the keyboard arrow keys to select 1. Claude account with subscription and press Enter.

After selection, the browser will automatically launch and display the Claude login screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete login with your Claude Pro, Max, or Team account.

If authentication is successful, you’ll return to the terminal and Claude Code will be available with your new account.

Summary

With simple logout and re-login operations, we were able to switch Claude Code’s login method from API key-based to subscription account-based. This allows you to benefit from Claude Code within your contract plan’s scope without worrying about API key management or usage fees. Please give it a try.

That’s all from the Gemba.

Steps to Switch Claude Code Login Method

Step 1: Log out from the current login method

Step 2: Start a Claude Code session and select the login method

Summary