Run Claude Code Free with Ollama (Local + Cloud Models)

Want to use Claude Code without paying anything?

Here’s the truth:
Claude Code itself isn’t free when used with official APIs—but there’s a powerful workaround.

By combining it with Ollama, you can run:

• Local AI models on your machine
• Free cloud models with zero setup
• Even large models without managing infrastructure

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Claude Code free with ollama

What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is an agentic terminal-based AI developer that can:

• Read and modify your codebase
• Execute commands
• Automate development workflows

Think of it as a junior dev inside your terminal.

What is Ollama?

Ollama lets you:

• Run LLMs locally
• Use cloud-hosted models with same CLI
• Connect tools like Claude Code without API complexity

👉 Key feature: same command works for both local & cloud models

LLM you can use with Claude Code free

Local Models (Free + Offline)

• qwen3.5 (~11GB)
• glm-4.7-flash (~25GB)
• And many more …

👉 These run fully on your system

Example:

ollama pull qwen3.5
ollama launch claude --model qwen3.5

👉 Best for:

• Privacy
• No internet dependency
• Zero cost

Free Cloud Models (No API Setup)

• qwen3.5:cloud
• kimi-k2.5:cloud
• glm-5:cloud
• minimax-m2.7:cloud

👉 These run on cloud but use same Ollama CLI

Example:

ollama launch claude --model qwen3.5:cloud

👉 Important:

• No API key needed
• Some free usage limits may apply

Large Models (High Performance)

Example:

• qwen3.5:cloud -> Reasoning, coding, and Agentic tool use with vision
• glm-5:cloud – >Reasoning and code generation
• minimax-m2.7:cloud ->Fast, efficient coding and real-world productivity

👉 These models are:

• More accurate
• Better at complex coding
• Slightly slower (depending on hardware)

Claude Code Free Setup (Quick & Clean)

1. Install Ollama

curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh

2. Install Claude Code

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

3. Run Directly (No Config Needed)

👉 Easiest way:

ollama launch claude

👉 With specific model:

ollama launch claude --model qwen3.5

👉 Or cloud:

ollama launch claude --model kimi-k2.5:cloud

How Model Selection Works

When you open Claude Code:

• It shows recommended models
• You can filter by typing
• Use arrow keys + enter

Exactly like your screenshot 👇

👉 Recommended models include:

• kimi-k2.5:cloud
• glm-5:cloud
• qwen3.5
• glm-4.7-flash (Ollama Docs)

Real Usage Examples

Inside Claude Code:

> build a REST API in FastAPI

> refactor this project for performance

> debug why this function is failing

Best Model Strategy (Important)

Low-End PC (8–16GB RAM)

👉 Use:

• qwen2.5-coder:7b

Mid System (16–32GB RAM)

👉 Use:

• qwen3.5
• glm-4.7-flash (quantized)

No Hardware Limit

👉 Use cloud:

• kimi-k2.5:cloud
• glm-5:cloud
• qwen3.5:cloud
• minimax-m2.7:cloud

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⚡ Pro Tips

• Use local models for daily coding
• Use cloud models for heavy tasks
• Combine both for best workflow
• Always run inside project folder

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🚨 Common Mistakes

❌ Thinking cloud = paid (has rate limit)
👉 Many models are free to try

❌ Downloading huge model without RAM
👉 Check size before pulling

❌ Using small model for complex tasks
👉 Switch to cloud when needed

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Final Thoughts

Claude Code + Ollama is one of the most powerful free AI setups today.

You get:

• 🧠 Local AI coding assistant
• ☁️ Free cloud models
• 🚀 Large model access
• 💸 No API cost

See Also

• How LangGraph Works Internally
• Exception Handling in Spring Boot