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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.
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