AutoMode vs Claude Code auto mode
Claude Code auto mode is a built-in permission mode. AutoMode is a free plugin that picks the model and effort for each prompt. Here is how they differ.
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 independent 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. It is free, needs no key and no server, and starts on its own.
/plugin marketplace add mralexivy/AutoMode
/plugin install automode@automodeLast updated on
AutoMode vs Claude Code Router
Claude Code Router connects coding agents to other model providers. AutoMode picks the Claude model and effort for each prompt. Here is which one you need.
Settings
Every AutoMode setting and default: the config.json keys, the /plugin configure options, and the order in which config, plugin settings and env apply.