How to Configure Claude Code Permissions
Set up Claude Code permission modes to control what actions Claude can take. From full auto to ask-every-time.
Step-by-step
How to Configure Claude Code Permissions
Choose a permission mode
Claude Code offers permission modes: 'ask' (confirm everything), 'auto-edit' (auto-approve file edits, ask for commands), and 'dangerously-skip-permissions' (approve everything). Most users start with 'auto-edit'.
Configure allowed tools
In your settings, specify which tools are auto-approved. For example, allow file reads and edits but require confirmation for shell commands.
Set up project-level permissions
Use `.claude/settings.json` in your project for project-specific permissions. This lets you be more permissive in safe projects and restrictive in production repos.
Review permission prompts
When Claude requests permission, review the action description carefully. You can approve once, approve for the session, or deny the action.
Tips
Pro tips
- *
Start with 'auto-edit' mode for the best balance of speed and safety
- *
Use hooks to add custom safety checks that run before specific tool calls
- *
Permissions are per-session by default — auto-approved tools reset when you restart Claude
Related guides