[Feature] Support CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN for `claude -p` (print mode)
Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Jan 27, 2026 by hflier Closed Jan 30, 2026
Summary
claude -p / claude --print mode currently requires an API key (ANTHROPIC_API_KEY) and does not support OAuth token authentication via CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN.
Current Behavior
# This works (interactive mode with OAuth)
CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN=<token> claude
# ✅ Authenticates successfully
# This does NOT work (print mode with OAuth)
CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN=<token> claude -p "hello"
# ❌ Requires ANTHROPIC_API_KEY
Expected Behavior
claude -p should accept CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN as an alternative to ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, just like interactive mode does.
Rationale
- Consistency: Interactive mode supports OAuth, print mode should too
- Claude Agent SDK parity: The Claude Agent SDK already supports both authentication methods.
claude -pshould have feature parity. - Subscription users: Users with Max/Pro subscriptions should be able to use print mode without needing a separate API key
- Scripting/automation: Many users want to use print mode for automation while authenticated via their subscription
Proposed Solution
When ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set, check for CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN and use OAuth authentication for the API request, same as interactive mode does.
Environment
- Claude Code version: 2.1.19
- Platform: macOS
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