How to Connect Your Claude Code Account to UsageBuddy

Last checked: September 25, 2026

Claude Code's command-line tool needs to be installed before UsageBuddy can connect to it. The steps below use Anthropic's recommended installer, then follow the UsageBuddy flow.

⚠️ Important: UsageBuddy currently runs on 64-bit Windows 10 (version 1809 or later) and Windows 11. Its website says the Mac app is coming soon. You can install Claude Code on macOS using the instructions below, but you cannot run UsageBuddy there yet.

Install or update Claude Code

Anthropic's native installer is the simplest option for most users. It installs the latest release by default and updates in the background. Claude Code supports Windows 10 version 1809 or later and macOS 13 or later.

Windows

  1. Open PowerShell from the Start menu.

  2. Paste the official installer and press Enter:

    irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

  3. Check the installed version:

    claude --version

macOS

  1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.

  2. Paste the official installer and press Return:

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

  3. Check the installed version:

    claude --version

Check for an update

The native installation checks for updates automatically. To check and apply one now, run:

claude update

If Claude Code was installed with Homebrew or WinGet, update it through that same package manager instead. After updating, check the version again with claude --version.

Ask an AI assistant to check it for you

Paste this plain-English request into a coding assistant. It contains no terminal commands:

Check whether Claude Code is installed on this computer. If it is missing, install the latest version using Anthropic's current official instructions for this operating system. If it is installed, check whether a newer version is available and update it using the existing installation method. Do not switch installation methods or create a second installation. Verify the version afterward and report “old version -> new version”; if it was missing, report “not installed -> new version,” and if it was already current, say so. End with this exact line: “Now you’re ready to connect with UsageBuddy.”

Connect Claude Code in UsageBuddy

  1. Open UsageBuddy.

  2. Click Add Account.

  1. Select Claude Code.

  2. Enter an account name. Use a label you will recognize, such as “Personal Claude” or “Team account.”

  1. Click Continue.

  2. Wait for the browser to open. UsageBuddy will direct you to the Claude authorization page.

  3. Sign in to the Claude account you want to track. For a Team or Enterprise account, use the organization login that has Claude Code access.

  1. Close the browser after authorization finishes.

  2. Return to UsageBuddy.

  3. Confirm that the Claude Code account appears in the dashboard. Check the account name and status. If UsageBuddy reports a missing CLI, install or update Claude Code above and choose I installed it in the Add Account dialog if shown.

UsageBuddy puts the connected account's reported usage and reset information beside your other tracked accounts, which saves you from checking each Claude login separately.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect a Free Claude account?

Free account support for this UsageBuddy connection is not publicly confirmed. Anthropic documents Claude Code access for Pro, Max, Team, and eligible Enterprise seats. Check that Claude Code works with your account before trying the connection.

Does every Enterprise account have Claude Code access?

No. Some older Enterprise plans require a seat that includes Claude Code. Ask your organization owner which seat you have. UsageBuddy has not published a separate compatibility claim for Enterprise accounts.

Why is Claude Code charging API usage instead of using my subscription?

An ANTHROPIC_API_KEY setting can make Claude Code use API billing instead of your subscription. Check the account and billing method in Claude Code before connecting it to UsageBuddy.

What if UsageBuddy cannot find Claude Code?

Open a new PowerShell window and run claude --version. If it does not print a version, complete the installation above. If UsageBuddy shows I installed it, click it to check again.