Connect DeepSeek with CC Switch (recommended for beginners)

Don't want to hand-edit JSON, .env, or TOML? Use CC Switch.
CC Switch is a free desktop app: pick the DeepSeek preset → paste your API Key → enable — and CLI tools like Claude Code, OpenCode, Codex, and OpenClaw can use DeepSeek.

This guide is maintained by deepseekagent.io. CC Switch is a third-party open-source tool; we are not affiliated with its authors.


Who is this for?

You are…Recommendation
New to DeepSeek and afraid of breaking config filesUse CC Switch
Using Claude Code / OpenCode / Codex / OpenClawPrefer CC Switch
Switching often between DeepSeek and other modelsUse CC Switch
Using VS Code extensions (Cline, GitHub Copilot, etc.)See the tool guides — CC Switch mainly targets terminal CLIs
Want to understand every config fieldRun CC Switch first, then read the manual Claude Code guide

Before you start: DeepSeek API Key

  1. Open the DeepSeek Platform
  2. Create an API Key and copy it (shown once)
  3. Make sure your account has usable quota

Step 1: Install CC Switch

macOS (Homebrew recommended)

brew tap farion1231/ccswitch
brew install --cask cc-switch

Windows

Download CC-Switch-xxx-Windows.msi from GitHub Releases and install.

Linux

Use .deb / .AppImage, or on Arch:

paru -S cc-switch-bin

Website: ccswitch.ai


Step 2: Add DeepSeek as a provider

  1. Open CC Switch
  2. Click Add Provider
  3. Choose the DeepSeek preset
  4. Paste your API Key
  5. Confirm (usually pre-filled by the preset):
FieldTypical value for Claude Code
Base URLhttps://api.deepseek.com/anthropic
Main modeldeepseek-v4-pro[1m]
Fast modeldeepseek-v4-flash[1m]
  1. Test connection if available, then Enable
  2. Drag DeepSeek to the top of the provider list, or switch from the system tray

Step 3: Verify in your agent

Claude Code

cd your-project
claude

Send a short prompt. If it responds, you're connected.
Most tools need a terminal restart after switching.

OpenCode

opencode

Confirm DeepSeek is selected. Restart the terminal if you still see the old provider.

OpenClaw / Codex

Enable DeepSeek in CC Switch, restart the terminal, then run the CLI.
The official Codex guide involves Moon Bridge and extra setup — beginners should try CC Switch first, then read the manual guide if needed.


Manual config vs CC Switch

Manual (our per-tool guides)CC Switch
DifficultyMedium — paths and field namesLow — GUI + presets
Best forFull controlGetting started fast
Multi-modelEdit files each timeTray / one-click switch
Our siteExplains why each field existsExplains fastest path

They work together: CC Switch to get running, our guides when something breaks.


FAQ

Switched to DeepSeek but the CLI still uses the old model?
Close the terminal and open a new one. Claude Code sometimes hot-switches; most CLIs do not.

401 / auth errors?
Check the API Key and Base URL. For Claude Code, use https://api.deepseek.com/anthropic.

How is CC Switch related to deepseekagent.io?
We publish DeepSeek integration tutorials; CC Switch is a separate app we recommend when manual setup is too tedious.

Still stuck?
Open the detailed guide for your tool:


Links