Manage Multiple Claude Code Accounts.md

Manage Multiple Claude Code Accounts

Run two Claude Code accounts simultaneously on macOS without re-authenticating by using separate configuration directories.

Steps

1. Create Separate Config Directories

   mkdir ~/.claude-account1
   mkdir ~/.claude-account2

2. Add Aliases to Shell Config

   • Open ~/.zshrc (or ~/.bashrc for Bash) in an editor:

     nano ~/.zshrc

   • Add:

     alias claude-account1="CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR=~/.claude-account1 claude"
     alias claude-account2="CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR=~/.claude-account2 claude"

   • Save and reload:

     source ~/.zshrc

3. Authenticate Each Account

   • For account 1:

     claude-account1

     Log in; credentials save to ~/.claude-account1.
   • For account 2:

     claude-account2

     Log in; credentials save to ~/.claude-account2.

4. Switch or Run Simultaneously

   • Run claude-account1 or claude-account2 in separate terminal tabs (Cmd + T).
   • Each uses its own config and usage limits.

Notes

• Requires separate Anthropic accounts (different emails).
• Check Anthropic’s terms to ensure compliance.
• Update Claude Code: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code.
• If re-authentication occurs, verify CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR with echo $CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR.

Will this work with the vs code extension?

alias claude-perso="CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR=~/.claude-perso command claude"
alias claude-pro="CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR=~/.claude-pro command claude"
alias claude="echo 'Use claude code specific commandes : claude-perso or claude-pro'"

Edited after @edzme comment :
-command : is a shell command that ignores alias. This avoid us using absolute path to claude command.

Is there a way to do this on Windows?

Thanks for posting this and good idea @enimiste .. here's mine edited slightly:

# Example: switch between multiple Claude config directories

alias claude-profile1='CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR=$HOME/.claude-user-profile1 command claude'
alias claude-profile2='CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR=$HOME/.claude-user-profile2 command claude'
alias claude-profile3='CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR=$HOME/.claude-user-profile3 command claude'

# Disable default claude command to prevent mistakes
alias claude="echo 'Use claude-profile1, claude-profile2, or claude-profile3'"

Is there a way to do this on Windows?

Create config directories

mkdir $env:USERPROFILE\.claude-account1
mkdir $env:USERPROFILE\.claude-account2

Add functions to your PowerShell profile

notepad $PROFILE

function claude-account1 { $env:CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR="$env:USERPROFILE\.claude-account1"; claude }
function claude-account2 { $env:CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR="$env:USERPROFILE\.claude-account2"; claude }

Save, then reload:
. $PROFILE

Authenticate each — run claude-account1 and claude-account2 in separate terminals, log in each one.

Use simultaneously — open two terminal tabs, one per account, each with its own credentials and usage limits.