Connect Claude Code to DeepSeek V4 in 5 Steps: From Installation to VSCode Integration

Install Claude Code

Run a single command because the official installer is blocked in China. curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash Windows PowerShell: irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex After installation close and reopen the terminal so environment variables take effect. Running claude shows version information; an initial region‑check error can be ignored because it will be resolved later with CC Switch.

Obtain DeepSeek API Key

DeepSeek V4 Pro follows the Anthropic API protocol, allowing direct calls from Claude Code.

Generate an API key on the DeepSeek Open Platform and copy it immediately; it cannot be viewed again.

Configure model with CC Switch

CC Switch is a CLI tool for AI‑coding configuration management that automates provider switching.

Repository: https://github.com/farion1231/cc-switch Install the .msi (Windows) or .dmg (macOS) package, then open the application.

Add a new provider named “DeepSeek” with the following fields:

Provider : DeepSeek

API Key : the copied key

Base URL : https://api.deepseek.com/anthropic Model : model ID from DeepSeek documentation

Reference DeepSeek API documentation for valid model IDs and parameters.

Recommended CC Switch options (enable all):

Auto‑start on boot

Silent launch

Apply to Claude Code plugin

Skip Claude Code first‑run confirmation (resolves region‑check error)

Minimize to tray on close

Verify integration

Open a terminal and run claude. If the displayed model information shows DeepSeek, the connection is successful. Ask any question to confirm a response.

Use Claude Code in VSCode

Download VSCode from the official site.

Install two extensions:

Chinese (Simplified) – provides a Chinese UI; restart VSCode after installation.

Claude Code – adds a Claude icon to the top‑right corner.

Click the Claude icon; it displays the model configured in CC Switch, enabling code generation, bug fixing, and Q&A directly inside VSCode.

Common pitfalls

Running claude yields no response – restart the terminal.

Region‑check error – enable “Skip Claude Code first‑run confirmation” in CC Switch.

Lost API key – generate a new key and copy it immediately.

CC Switch change not taking effect – restart Claude Code.

Cost considerations

DeepSeek API is paid but cheaper than Claude’s native API; some providers offer free quotas for trial.

Related links

Claude Code docs: https://code.claude.com/docs/zh-CN/overview
DeepSeek platform: https://platform.deepseek.com/
CC Switch repo: https://github.com/farion1231/cc-switch
VSCode download: https://code.visualstudio.com/