Voice mode cannot invoke built-in slash commands (e.g., /init, /help)

Resolved 💬 6 comments Opened Oct 9, 2025 by beengud Closed Jan 9, 2026

Description

When using voice mode (converse tool) to interact with Claude Code, users cannot invoke built-in slash commands like /init, /help, /clear, etc. through voice input.

Steps to Reproduce

  1. Set up and use voice mode with the converse tool
  2. Speak a command like "claude /init" or "run /init"
  3. Claude correctly transcribes the voice input
  4. However, Claude cannot actually invoke the built-in slash command

Expected Behavior

When a user says "claude /init" (or similar built-in commands) through voice mode, the command should be executed as if the user had typed /init directly into the CLI prompt.

Actual Behavior

Claude receives the transcribed text but has no mechanism to invoke built-in slash commands. The SlashCommand tool explicitly states it's only for custom slash commands:

IMPORTANT: Only use this tool for custom slash commands that appear in the Available Commands list below. Do NOT use for: - Built-in CLI commands (like /help, /clear, etc.)

Impact

This creates a significant gap in the voice mode user experience. Users must switch back to typing for any built-in slash commands, defeating the purpose of hands-free interaction.

Suggested Solution

Provide a way for Claude to programmatically invoke built-in slash commands, either:

  • Extend the SlashCommand tool to support built-in commands
  • Add a new tool specifically for built-in commands
  • Allow Claude to trigger these commands through some other mechanism

Environment

  • Claude Code with voice mode enabled
  • Custom slash commands work through SlashCommand tool
  • Built-in commands (/init, /help, /clear, etc.) cannot be invoked programmatically

Additional Context

This was discovered during a voice interaction where the user successfully dictated their intent, Claude understood it perfectly, but then couldn't execute the /init command that was requested.

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