How to Use Claude Code with Qwen models for Free (Linux)

Source: Dev.to

Prerequisites

• Qwen CLI installed and authenticated

• Node.js v18+ installed

• Install the Qwen Code CLI:

  npm install -g @qwen-code/qwen-code@latest

• Install Claude Code and the router:

  npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code @musistudio/claude-code-router

Configuration

1. Replace LINUX_USER with your Linux username.

2. Open the Qwen OAuth credentials file:

   cat /home/LINUX_USER/.qwen/oauth_creds.json

   It should look similar to:

   {
     "access_token": "YOUR_QWEN_ACCESS_TOKEN_HERE",
     "token_type": "Bearer",
     "refresh_token": "YOUR_QWEN_REFRESH_TOKEN_HERE",
     "resource_url": "portal.qwen.ai",
     "expiry_date": 1764876220290
   }

3. Copy the access_token value.

4. Create the Claude Code Router configuration:

   cat > ~/.claude-code-router/config.json > ~/.zshrc
   source ~/.zshrc

Verify Installation

claude --version        # Should show: Claude Code v2.x.x
ccr version             # Should show the version number
echo $QWEN_ACCESS_TOKEN # Should display your token

Run the Router

Restart the router server:

ccr restart

Use Claude Code with Qwen Models

Start Claude Code:

ccr code

Test the setup:

> hi

Refreshing an Expired OAuth Token

If your token expires:

1. Delete the existing OAuth credentials file to force re‑authentication:

   rm /home/LINUX_USER/.qwen/oauth_creds.json
   qwen   # Run the Qwen CLI to log in again

2. Copy the new access_token from the regenerated oauth_creds.json.

3. Update the api_key in ~/.claude-code-router/config.json with the new token (e.g., using nano or your preferred editor).

4. Restart the router:

   ccr restart

Hopefully this helps you get Claude Code running for free on Linux! 💖