[Bug] ESC key doesn't work when claude terminal is started by intellij
Status Open
Maintainer reply None cached
Workaround ✓ Mentioned in thread ↓
Activity 11 comments · opened Oct 30, 2025
Bug Description
When I launch clode from the Intellij plugin the ESC key doesn't work, so I can't step out of a specific command and I have to entirely quit the session by using CTRL+C. If I launch claude directly from the Intellij terminal it works fine.
Environment Info
- Platform: darwin
- Terminal: intellij
- Version: 2.0.29
- Feedback ID: 2839ff11-23ec-4502-8391-f600cbaf5b6b
Errors
[{"error":"Error: Language not supported while highlighting code, falling back to markdown: \n at YD (file:///Users/johannes/.local/share/mise/installs/node/24.10.0/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:1175:4413)\n at file:///Users/johannes/.local/share/mise/installs/node/24.10.0/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:1175:4141\n at Array.map (<anonymous>)\n at MF (file:///Users/johannes/.local/share/mise/installs/node/24.10.0/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:1175:4132)\n at YTQ (file:///Users/johannes/.local/share/mise/installs/node/24.10.0/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:1797:6306)\n at Vw (file:///Users/johannes/.local/share/mise/installs/node/24.10.0/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:73:19414)\n at Io (file:///Users/johannes/.local/share/mise/installs/node/24.10.0/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:75:42806)\n at T9 (file:///Users/johannes/.local/share/mise/installs/node/24.10.0/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:75:38347)\n at zc (file:///Users/johannes/.local/share/mise/installs/node/24.10.0/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:75:38275)\n at Lw (file:///Users/johannes/.local/share/mise/installs/node/24.10.0/lib/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:75:38129)","timestamp":"2025-10-30T01:13:26.315Z"}]
11 Comments
Found 2 possible duplicate issues:
This issue will be automatically closed as a duplicate in 3 days.
🤖 Generated with Claude Code
If I remember correctly, it used to work in a previous version of the plugin. I also have Settings -> Tools -> Terminal and unchecked "Move focus to the editor with Escape."
I have the latest IDE and plugin installed
This issue has been inactive for 30 days. If the issue is still occurring, please comment to let us know. Otherwise, this issue will be automatically closed in 30 days for housekeeping purposes.
I ran into this as well. I am using Claude Code in a dev container in IntelliJ.
Workaround is to use
Ctrl-[orCtrl-Esc.The settings in IntelliJ to disable moving to the editor did not work for me.
ran into same problem here with same situation, I also have Settings -> Tools -> Terminal and unchecked "Move focus to the editor with Escape."
I have the latest IDE and plugin installed
For me worked _Go to Settings_ => _Tools_ => _Terminal_ => _Configure terminal keybindings_ and delete the _“Switch focus to Editor”_ shortcut
_"Move focus to the editor with Escape"_ was already unchecked (probably by default?)
Running current
IntelliJ IDEA 2025.3on Ubuntu 25.04Sources:
~~I found a workaround: switching IntelliJ Terminal Engine from
ClassictoReworked 2025fixes the issue.~~~~With
Reworked 2025, the ESC key works correctly to interrupt Claude Code.~~Update: ESC still has issues even with Reworked 2025 enabled.
I can reproduce the problem, and switching to Reworked 2025 is not a reliable fix.
As mentioned by @betawait above, using
Ctrl-[orCtrl-Escworks more consistently as a workaround.I am using Reworked 2025 and ESC still not working.
@kenarsuleyman You're right — I've corrected my comment. Sorry for the incorrect information.
Same problem, no workaround.
<img width="992" height="735" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/11a96c25-c4b8-4ae5-b0d1-90c531b918c9" />
remove all keymap of terminal
<img width="552" height="194" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/dc8a11e2-c0a1-4ca9-a273-3aade4c2b611" />