Troubleshooting · Claude Code Plan Mode not working
Claude Code Plan Mode not working
Fix common Claude Code Plan Mode issues: shortcut ignored, no Plan indicator, outdated CLI or prompt already typed.
Quick answer
If Plan Mode does not activate, clear the input, try Shift+Tab again, update Claude Code, restart the terminal or use the Plan: prefix.
Common causes
The shortcut can fail when the input is not empty, the terminal captures Shift+Tab or the installed Claude Code version does not support the behavior.
Safe fallback
Use /plan for a single prompt, or use a written planning prompt that asks Claude to inspect the repo, list files, identify risks and wait for approval before editing.
FAQ
Is Plan: the same as the shortcut?
Prefer /plan for one prompt or claude --permission-mode plan for a whole session. A written planning prompt is a fallback, not the same UI mode.
Should I keep working if Plan Mode fails?
For risky work, no. Use a written plan prompt first, then approve execution after review.