Claude Code "API Error: 500": causes and fixes (internal server error)
Is there an outage right now?
Claude Code official status is operational. If this error persists, it is likely an implementation or environment issue on your side.
View Claude Code status →What this error means
An unexpected error on the Anthropic API side (HTTP 500). Often transient and recoverable on retry.
Common causes
- •Transient API-side fault
- •Region/model instability
- •Fallout from a larger outage
- •Rarely, extremely large input
How to fix
- 1.Wait and retry with exponential backoff
- 2.Shrink context with /compact or /clear and retry
- 3.Switch model with /model to isolate
- 4.Check status at top of page and official status
When waiting helps (and when it won't)
Server-side—retry after seconds to minutes. If persistent, check official outage info.
Alternatives when Claude Code is down
Related errors
FAQ
What is API Error 500?
An unexpected error on the Anthropic API side (HTTP 500). Often transient and recoverable on retry.
How do I fix API Error 500?
Wait and retry with exponential backoff / Shrink context with /compact or /clear and retry / Switch model with /model to isolate / Check status at top of page and official status