Claude Code Stream Idle Timeout Error with Opus Model

What this error means

API Error: Stream idle timeout — partial response received is a Claude Code failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix claude code ‘stream idle timeout — partial response received’ error during tool calls and code generation. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Open GitHub issue with 183 comments. Error occurs between tool calls when requesting code plans. Affects Opus model on Claude Code 2.1.92+. Regression from 2.1.90. Exact error string available for SEO targeting.

Common causes

• Claude Code with Opus model intermittently fails mid-conversation with stream idle timeout errors, losing partial responses. This disrupts active development workflows, especially during multi-step agentic tasks. A regression since version 2.1.90. 183+ comments confirm widespread impact.
• Open GitHub issue with 183 comments. Error occurs between tool calls when requesting code plans. Affects Opus model on Claude Code 2.1.92+. Regression from 2.1.90. Exact error string available for SEO targeting.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches API Error: Stream idle timeout — partial response received.
2. Check the Claude Code account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/46987

Evidence note: Open GitHub issue with 183 comments. Error occurs between tool calls when requesting code plans. Affects Opus model on Claude Code 2.1.92+. Regression from 2.1.90. Exact error string available for SEO targeting.

Related errors

• Claude Code SSE connection dropped
• Claude Code partial response lost
• Claude Code streaming timeout error

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact API Error: Stream idle timeout — partial response received text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed Claude Code workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without API Error: Stream idle timeout — partial response received.