[BUG] claude update shows network error when already on latest version

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

Environment

• OS: Ubuntu 24.04
• Claude Code version: 2.0.56
• Network: VPN connection
• SubscribePlan: Plus

Description

When running claude update while already on the latest version (2.0.56), the command displays a misleading network error instead of indicating that no update is needed.

What Should Happen?

Should display something like: "Already up to date (2.0.56)"

Error Messages/Logs

Current version: 2.0.56
Checking for updates...
Failed to check for updates
Unable to fetch latest version from npm registry

Possible causes:
  • Network connectivity issues
  • npm registry is unreachable
  • Corporate proxy/firewall blocking npm

Try:
  • Check your internet connection
  • Run with --debug flag for more details
  • Manually check: npm view @anthropic-ai/claude-code version
  • Check if you need to login: npm whoami

Steps to Reproduce

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install the latest version of Claude Code (2.0.56)
2. Run claude update

Evidence that network is working

npm registry is accessible and confirms 2.0.56 is the latest version:

$ npm view @anthropic-ai/claude-code version
2.0.56

$ npm show @anthropic-ai/claude-code versions --json | tail -5
  "2.0.53",
  "2.0.54",
  "2.0.55",
  "2.0.56"
]

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.0.56 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Ubuntu/Debian Linux

Terminal/Shell

Other

Additional Information

_No response_