Claude Code auto mode: how to turn it on with Shift+Tab or a flag

To turn on Claude Code auto mode, press Shift+Tab in the terminal until the status bar reads ⏵⏵ auto mode on, or start Claude Code with claude --permission-mode auto. Both work only if auto mode is available to you. As of October 27, 2026, Anthropic's permission modes documentation lists every plan as eligible, with requirements on the model and the provider instead.

Auto mode is a permission mode in which a separate classifier model reviews each action before it runs, so you stop approving routine prompts by hand. The docs say it reduces prompts but does not guarantee safety.

What you need first

These are the requirements the docs state as of October 27, 2026:

The docs give version numbers, not calendar dates, for these requirements. Claude's support center FAQ says auto mode is "available unless your organization has turned it off in managed settings, on supported models," and does not list the models or plans itself.

Auto mode is also the built-in starting mode in some setups. With Claude Code v2.1.283 or later, the docs say auto is the starting mode for interactive terminal and VS Code sessions on every plan and provider. On earlier versions it applies only to Pro, Max and Team plans. If your session already starts in auto, there is nothing to turn on.

How to turn on auto mode in the terminal

1. Open a session with claude.
2. Press Shift+Tab to cycle permission modes. auto appears in the cycle only when it is available. Cycling to it switches without a confirmation prompt.
3. Check the status bar. It shows ⏵⏵ auto mode on.

If you would rather start in auto, use the flag:

claude --permission-mode auto

For a one-off non-interactive run, the docs show the same flag with -p:

claude -p "Run the test suite and fix any failures" --permission-mode auto

There is also a shortcut in the prompt itself. On Claude Code v2.1.247 or later, in Manual or acceptEdits mode, a Bash permission prompt offers "Yes, and switch to auto mode". It approves that command and switches the session. PowerShell prompts don't offer it, and neither do prompts forced by an ask rule or a hook.

How to make auto mode the default

Set defaultMode in your user settings file, ~/.claude/settings.json:

{
  "permissions": {
    "defaultMode": "auto"
  }
}

The docs say "auto" is ignored in .claude/settings.json and .claude/settings.local.json, the project files. If a session starts in Manual with no error, check whether the setting is in one of those.

How to turn on auto mode in VS Code, the desktop app and the web

• VS Code: pick Auto from the mode indicator at the bottom of the prompt box. The claudeCode.initialPermissionMode setting does not accept auto. To start in Auto, leave it unset and select Auto once.
• Desktop app, Code tab: use the mode selector under the prompt box. The choice is remembered per folder.
• Web at claude.ai/code: use the mode dropdown under the prompt box. Auto appears only when your organization allows it and the selected model supports it.
• Mobile app: tap + in the prompt box, then Permission.

Why auto mode is missing

If Claude Code reports auto mode as unavailable, the docs point to four causes: your plan or provider does not meet the requirements, your model is not supported, a settings file sets disableAutoMode, or Anthropic has turned it off on its side. A session that hits the last two keeps auto mode off until it ends.

Administrators remove it for everyone with this managed setting:

{
  "permissions": {
    "disableAutoMode": "disable"
  }
}

What auto mode blocks

Examples from the docs' default block list: running downloaded code such as curl | bash, sending sensitive data to external endpoints, production deploys, force push, git reset --hard, terraform destroy, and merging a pull request no human approved. It allows local file operations in your working directory, installing dependencies declared in lock files or manifests, and read-only HTTP requests.

Entering auto mode also drops broad allow rules such as Bash(*) and wildcarded interpreters like Bash(python*). Narrow rules such as Bash(npm test) stay.

After 3 blocks in a row or 20 in total, auto mode pauses and Claude Code goes back to prompting. Approving the prompted action resumes it. You can review blocked actions under /permissions in the Recently denied tab.

How to turn auto mode off

Press Shift+Tab. From auto, the first press goes to default. To start without it, run claude --permission-mode default, or set "defaultMode": "default" in ~/.claude/settings.json.

Anthropic updates these pages often, so check the permission modes page for the current requirements. Our guide to installing Claude Code covers getting set up first.