How to Manage Multiple Claude Code Accounts?

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

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:
   • Add:
     alias claude-account1="CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR=~/.claude-account1 claude" alias claude-account2="CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR=~/.claude-account2 claude"
   • Save and reload:

3. Authenticate Each Account

   • For account 1: Log in; credentials save to ~/.claude-account1.
   • For account 2: 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.

• 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.