claude-code - 💡(How to fix) Fix CLI pauses execution when terminal/composer loses focus [1 comments, 1 participants]

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anthropics/claude-code#52166Fetched 2026-04-23 07:34:52
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Claude Code CLI freezes execution when the cursor leaves the composer input area or the terminal window loses focus. The AI stops processing tool calls, writing code, and producing output until focus returns to the composer.

Root Cause

Claude Code should continue executing autonomously regardless of terminal focus state. The user is paying for compute time — pausing execution because the terminal isn't focused wastes that time and breaks autonomous workflows.

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Description

Claude Code CLI freezes execution when the cursor leaves the composer input area or the terminal window loses focus. The AI stops processing tool calls, writing code, and producing output until focus returns to the composer.

Reproduction

  1. Start a multi-step task (e.g., editing multiple files, running tests)
  2. While Claude is working, switch to another application (browser, another terminal, Finder)
  3. Claude's output freezes mid-execution
  4. Switch back to the Claude Code terminal
  5. Execution resumes immediately

Expected Behavior

Claude Code should continue executing autonomously regardless of terminal focus state. The user is paying for compute time — pausing execution because the terminal isn't focused wastes that time and breaks autonomous workflows.

Impact

  • Breaks autonomous agent workflows where the human multitasks while AI works
  • Breaks /loop and background monitoring patterns that are designed to run unattended
  • Forces the user to babysit the terminal instead of doing other work
  • Effectively steals paid compute time by silently pausing

Environment

  • macOS (Darwin 25.4.0)
  • Claude Code 2.1.117
  • Terminal: default macOS Terminal and iTerm2
  • Subscription: Max

Context

This is particularly problematic for users building autonomous agent infrastructure where Claude Code needs to execute long-running tasks, scheduled jobs, and multi-slice development workflows without human supervision.

extent analysis

TL;DR

The issue can be mitigated by ensuring the terminal running Claude Code remains in focus or using a workaround to simulate focus.

Guidance

  • Investigate if there's an option in Claude Code or the terminal emulator to run the process in the background, unaffected by focus changes.
  • Consider using a tool or script that can simulate terminal focus or keep the window active, potentially using automation tools like xdotool or appleScript.
  • Review the documentation for Claude Code 2.1.117 to see if there are any settings or flags that can be used to prevent the freezing behavior when the terminal loses focus.
  • If the issue persists, explore the possibility of running Claude Code in a headless environment or a virtual display to decouple it from the physical terminal focus.

Example

No specific code example is provided due to the lack of direct coding details in the issue, but exploring scripts that can keep a terminal window in focus might look something like using appleScript to periodically activate the window.

Notes

The solution might depend on the specific capabilities of Claude Code and the terminal emulators in use. There could be limitations or side effects to workarounds, such as increased CPU usage or potential security implications of simulating user interactions.

Recommendation

Apply a workaround, such as using automation tools to keep the terminal focused, as there's no clear indication of a direct fix available in the current version of Claude Code. This approach can help mitigate the issue while waiting for a potential update that addresses the behavior.

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claude-code - 💡(How to fix) Fix CLI pauses execution when terminal/composer loses focus [1 comments, 1 participants]