How to Use Claude Code for Free in 2026 (No Subscription Needed)

This guide explains how to run Claude Code on your computer for free by connecting it to a local AI model using Ollama.

How the Free Setup Works

Normally Claude Code works like this:

Computer → Claude Code → Anthropic servers → Claude model

Which requires a paid subscription.

With the free setup it works like this:

Computer → Claude Code → Local AI model (via Ollama)

This removes the need for a subscription.

You run the AI model directly on your computer.

Step 1: Install Claude Code

First install Claude Code on your machine.

Go to:

claude.com/product/claudecode

You will see installation instructions for different systems.

For Mac:

Copy the install command and run it in Terminal.

For Windows:

Use the Windows install command in PowerShell.

Example command structure:

curl -fsSL <https://claude.ai/install.sh> | sh

After installation you should be able to run:

code

in the terminal.

This launches Claude Code.

Step 2: Install Ollama

Next you need Ollama, which allows AI models to run locally.

Go to:

ollama.com

Download the version for:

• Mac
• Windows
• Linux

Install it normally.

Once installed, Ollama runs as a background service that loads AI models locally.

Step 3: Download a Local AI Model

Now you must download an open-source AI model.

Open your terminal and run:

ollama run model-name

Example models you can use:

• qwen
• deepseek
• gemma
• gpt-oss

Example:

ollama run gpt-oss:20b

This downloads the 20B parameter GPT-OSS model.

The model file will be several gigabytes.

Once downloaded, the model runs locally on your computer.

You can test it immediately:

ollama run gpt-oss:20b

Then type:

hello

The model will reply.

Even without internet.

Step 4: Confirm Your Installed Models

To check installed models run:

ollama list

You will see something like:

gpt-oss:20b
13GB

This confirms the model is installed.

Step 5: Configure Claude Code to Use the Local Model

Now you need to redirect Claude Code to your local model instead of Anthropic servers.

Run the following command:

export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:11434

This tells Claude Code to send requests to Ollama running locally.

Next run:

export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN=dummy

This replaces the normal API key requirement.

The token can be any text.

Claude Code only checks if something exists.

Step 6: Start Claude Code Using the Local Model

Now launch Claude Code.

First navigate to your project folder:

cd your-project

Then run:

code --model gpt-oss:20b

Claude Code will now start using the local model.

You will see the model name appear in the interface.

Step 7: Test the Setup

Try a simple command:

create a todo app in HTML

Claude Code will generate code.

The processing will take longer than cloud models.

But the system works completely offline.

No subscription required.

Example Workflow

Now you can use Claude Code locally for tasks like:

• writing code
• debugging scripts
• building automation
• generating documentation
• creating small apps

Example request:

build a simple task manager in python

Claude Code will generate files in your project directory.

Choosing the Right Model

Your computer hardware determines which models work well.

Small models:

7B to 20B parameters

Good for laptops

Medium models:

30B to 70B parameters

Require more RAM

Large models:

100B+ parameters

Require powerful GPUs

Example recommendations:

Performance Expectations

Local models are slower.

Example speeds:

Cloud models like Claude Opus respond much faster.

But local models give you zero cost usage.

Advantages of This Setup

No subscription required

No API cost

Works offline

Unlimited usage

Good for experimentation

Limitations

Slower responses

Lower reasoning quality compared to top models

Requires decent hardware

Large models require significant RAM

Best Use Cases

This setup works best for:

Learning AI development

Building automation scripts

Testing coding agents

Experimenting with AI workflows

Running private AI systems locally

Example Development Workflow

Many developers use this stack:

Claude Code

Ollama

Local AI model

Then combine with:

• n8n for automation
• Python scripts
• local APIs
• development environments

This creates a fully local AI development environment.

Key Idea

You do not need to pay monthly to experiment with AI coding tools.

Instead of:

Claude Code → Paid API

You run:

Claude Code → Ollama → Local AI model

Everything runs on your machine.