claude-code - 💡(How to fix) Fix [BUG] Claude Cowork blocked by "Usage credits required for 1M context" — usage credits enabled, /model workaround non-functional, triggers at 7% session usage during compaction

Preflight Checklist

• I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

Bug Description Claude Cowork blocks all requests with "API Error: Usage credits required for 1M context" even though:

• Usage credits are enabled at claude.ai/settings/usage
• Session usage is only at 7% of the weekly limit
• I never requested 1M context

The error appears to trigger during context compaction mid-session, not at the start. The workarounds suggested in the error message do not work — typing /model does nothing in the Cowork interface, and the error persists despite usage credits being active and available.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open Claude Cowork
2. Begin a session with Sonnet 4.6 (default model)
3. Work through a normal session (website/app building)
4. At approximately 7% of weekly usage, error fires mid-session during compaction
5. Error: "API Error: Usage credits required for 1M context · turn on usage credits at claude.ai/settings/usage, or use --model to switch to standard context"

Expected Behaviour Cowork should continue working normally within my plan limits. Standard context (200K) should be used by default unless I explicitly request 1M context. The /model workaround suggested in the error should actually work.

Actual Behaviour Session is completely blocked. Neither enabling usage credits nor attempting to switch models resolves the issue.

Workarounds Attempted

• ✅ Enabled usage credits at claude.ai/settings/usage — error persists
• ✅ Typed /model in Cowork — no effect
• ✅ Usage credits confirmed available and active

Environment

• Product: Claude Cowork (web)
• Model: claude-sonnet-4-6 (default)
• Plan: Pro with usage credits enabled
• Session usage at time of error: ~7% of weekly limit

Additional Context This appears to be the same root cause as #62063, #63896, #64398 and others — a recent update defaulting to 1M context regardless of user preference, with the error firing before model selection can process. The compaction step appears to independently select a 1M context model.

I have spent €127 in usage credits this month building a website and Android app in Cowork. I am concerned that some of those credits may have been incorrectly consumed due to this bug rather than genuine usage. I would appreciate clarification on whether a refund is appropriate.

What Should Happen?

Cowork should work normally within Pro plan limits without requiring 1M context. Standard 200K context should be used by default. The --model flag and /model command should successfully override the context window before any billing check occurs

Error Messages/Logs

API Error: Usage credits required for 1M context · turn on usage credits at claude.ai/settings/usage, or use --model to switch to standard context

Steps to Reproduce

Open Claude Cowork on a Pro plan with usage credits enabled Start a new session using the default Sonnet 4.6 model Work through a normal task (e.g. building a website or app) Reach approximately 7% of weekly session usage Cowork triggers context compaction automatically Error fires: API Error: Usage credits required for 1M context · turn on usage credits at claude.ai/settings/usage, or use --model to switch to standard context Attempt /model in Cowork — no effect Confirm usage credits are enabled and available at claude.ai/settings/usage — error persists Session is completely blocked with no working workaround

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

No response

Claude Code Version

v1.11187.4

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

No response