Category: AI

Claude Code v2.1.89 introduced `/buddy`, an ASCII terminal pet that hatches and comments on your coding sessions. If you'd rather work without it, here's how to turn it off.

## Option 1: Hide It In-Session

The quickest way. Inside any Claude Code session, type:

```
/buddy off
```

This hides the pet for the current session. You'll need to do this each time you start a new session unless you use one of the permanent methods below.

## Option 2: Set the Environment Variable (Recommended)

Setting `DISABLE_NON_ESSENTIAL_MODEL_CALLS=1` disables the buddy's speech bubble reactions and other cosmetic model calls. There are two ways to do this.

### Via Claude Code Settings (Cleanest)

Edit `~/.claude/settings.json` and add the `env` key:

```json
{
  "env": {
    "DISABLE_NON_ESSENTIAL_MODEL_CALLS": "1"
  }
}
```

If the file already has other keys, merge the `env` block into the existing JSON. This only affects Claude Code and doesn't touch your shell environment.

### Via Shell Profile (Global)

Add this line to your shell startup file:

```bash
export DISABLE_NON_ESSENTIAL_MODEL_CALLS=1
```

Which file to edit depends on your shell:

- **macOS** (zsh by default): `~/.zshrc`
- **Linux** (bash by default): `~/.bashrc`

After saving, reload the config:

```bash
# For zsh
source ~/.zshrc

# For bash
source ~/.bashrc
```

Or just open a new terminal window.

## Option 3: Remove the Buddy Data Entirely

The buddy's saved state (species, name, personality, stats) lives in `~/.claude.json` under the `companion` key. To wipe it:

```bash
# Back up first
cp ~/.claude.json ~/.claude.json.bak

# Remove the companion key using jq
jq 'del(.companion)' ~/.claude.json > /tmp/claude-tmp.json && mv /tmp/claude-tmp.json ~/.claude.json
```

If you don't have `jq` installed, open `~/.claude.json` in any text editor, find the `"companion"` key, and delete that entire block.

After removing it, avoid running `/buddy` again or it will re-hatch a new pet.

## Notes

- There is currently no `buddyEnabled: false` key in `settings.json`. A 
(https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/42348) exists for adding one.
- `DISABLE_NON_ESSENTIAL_MODEL_CALLS=1` is a broader setting — it disables all non-essential model calls, not just buddy reactions. This includes things like spinner tips and other cosmetic AI-generated text.
- The buddy feature requires Claude Code v2.1.89+ and a Pro or Max subscription. If you're on an older version or using an API key directly, you won't see it anyway.