AutoMode / AutoMode vs auto mode
AutoMode vs Claude Code auto mode
They are two different things with similar names. Claude Code auto mode is a permission mode built by Anthropic. It decides whether an action can run without asking you. AutoMode is a free community plugin. It picks the model and the effort for each prompt.
The difference at a glance
| Feature | Claude Code auto mode | AutoMode |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Anthropic, built into Claude Code | A community project, not Anthropic |
| Question it answers | Can this action run without a prompt? | Which model and effort fit this prompt? |
| What it controls | Permissions for each tool call | The model and effort for each prompt |
| How it decides | A classifier reviews each action before it runs | Haiku judges and code-set risk floors choose a route |
| Extra it adds | Fewer permission prompts | A cache countdown, a workflow and an Opus review for risky work |
| How you get it | Built in. Press Shift+Tab to cycle modes | Install the plugin |
Auto mode facts come from Anthropic's permission modes docs and announcement, read on 2026-10-31.
What is Claude Code auto mode?
Auto mode is a permission mode. Claude runs actions without routine permission prompts, and a separate classifier reviews each action first. The classifier blocks actions that go beyond your request. Anthropic's docs warn that it "reduces permission prompts but does not guarantee safety."
Start a session with claude --permission-mode auto, or press Shift+Tab to cycle modes. Auto mode does not choose your model. The /model setting does that.
What is AutoMode?
AutoMode is a free, open source Claude Code plugin. For each prompt, it picks a model and an effort. A quick fact can run on Haiku at Low. A security migration moves up to Opus, because code sets a risk floor that the judge cannot lower. Read how a route is decided.
Can I use both?
The two settings are separate. AutoMode does not change your permission mode, and auto mode does not pick your route. Auto mode does need a supported model, so check Anthropic's list if a session starts in Manual mode.
Install AutoMode
Paste these into Claude Code, one at a time, then run /reload-plugins.
/plugin marketplace add mralexivy/AutoMode
/plugin install automode@automodeIt is free. It needs no key and no server, and it starts on its own.