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how to run claude code with gemma 4 completely free (beginner's guide): this guide shows you how to use claude code completely free with gemma 4, no subscriptions &no api keys. just your laptop + 15 mins setup. this lets you run open-source models (like google’s gemma) locally, meaning: — no costs — full privacy what you need before starting, make sure you have: vs code installed — node.js (version 18+) — stable internet (for one-time model download) _____________ step 1: install ollama (the engine) ollama is what runs ai models locally on your machine. → mac: go to ollama.com/download click download for mac, open the file and install like any normal app. no terminal needed. → windows: go to ollama.com/download, click download and install → linux: curl -fsSL ollama.com/install.sh | sh check it worked: ollama --version _____________ step 2: download gemma 4 this is the ai model you’ll run locally, pick based on your system: → low-end (8gb ram): ollama pull gemma4:e2b → recommended (16gb ram): ollama pull gemma4:e4b → high-end (32gb ram): ollama pull gemma4:26b ⚠️ it’s a big download (7gb–18gb), so give it time. after download is completed, verify with the command: ollama list _____________ step 3: install claude code in VS code or any other IDE this is your interface. — open vs code — press ctrl + shift + x — search claude code install the one by anthropic after install → you’ll see a ⚡ icon in sidebar _____________ step 4: connect claude code to ollama by default, claude connects to the cloud. we’re redirecting it to your local machine. so do this: — press ctrl + shift + p — search: open user settings (json) — then paste this inside: "claude-code.env": { "ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL": "http://localhost:11434", "ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "", "ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN": "ollama" } what this does: — it routes everything to your local ollama server. — nothing leaves your device. _____________ step 5: run everything 1. start ollama with this command: ollama serve leave this running. 2. open claude code in vs code click ⚡ icon 3. select your model type: gemma4:e4b (or whichever you downloaded) you’re done _____________ you now have: — claude code running — powered by gemma 4 — fully local completely free try: “explain this file” “write a function” “refactor this code” _____________ common issues (quick fixes) “unable to connect” run: ollama serve asked to sign in your json config is wrong check for missing commas/brackets very slow responses your model is too big switch to: gemma4:e2b model not found run: ollama list copy exact name quick recap you just built: a free claude setup powered by local ai no api costs Follow for more AI contents like this!!!