Claude Code API Error 401 and Login Loop
Workaround available Claude Code (CLI) Updated November 14, 2026Based on 3 user reportsHow we research
Quick answer
Usually an environment variable overriding /login or an expired token: run /status, then /logout, update and /login again.
Most likely fix: Run /status
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Run /status
- Check which credential is in use before deleting anything
Did this fix it?2. Remove overriding variables
- Unset ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN or CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN if stale
Did this fix it?3. Log out, update, log in
- Run /logout
- Run claude update
- Run /login
Did this fix it?4. Check the clock
- Sync your system time
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
'API Error: 401' or OAuth token expired; /login loops.
Why it happens
- ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or other env variables override /login
- Expired or revoked token
- Outdated Claude Code
- Wrong system clock
This guide also covers
- claude code 401
- claude code oauth token expired
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