Set up the Fakechat plugin for Claude Code

Install the Fakechat plugin, start Claude Code with the channels flag, and test messages and files through a local browser interface.

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Set up the Fakechat plugin for Claude Code

Published on 30.09.2026

This guide sets up the Fakechat plugin from Anthropic's official plugin repository for Claude Code. Before using it, review the [README](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-plugins-official/blob/main/external_plugins/fakechat/README.md) in the repository. Fakechat is purely a testing tool for local development and needs no token, bot, or access control.

Install the plugin

Start a normal Claude Code session with claude and install the plugin through the built-in marketplace with /plugin install fakechat@claude-plugins-official.

Restart with channels enabled

End the session and start Claude Code again with the channels flag:

claude --channels plugin:fakechat@claude-plugins-official

On startup the plugin prints the address of its interface to stderr. According to the source code, that is port 8787 on 127.0.0.1 by default. If you need another port, set the FAKECHAT_PORT environment variable before launching.

Test in the browser

Open the printed address in your browser and type a message. Claude replies in the same thread. Through the reply tool, Claude can send text and files up to 50 MB, and edit_message changes a message that was already sent. Files you upload end up in ~/.claude/channels/fakechat/inbox/.

Know the limits

There is no persistent history and no search; reloading the page starts a new session. Since the interface has no login, use it locally only and do not expose the port to the outside through tunnels or proxies.

Published on 30.09.2026

Frequently asked questions

Why would I need Fakechat when Telegram and Discord plugins exist?

Fakechat is for testing and developing channels because it needs no bot, token, or third-party account. For real day-to-day use while away from your desk, the messenger plugins are the better choice.

Why doesn't the interface start right after installation?

Channels only become active when Claude Code is launched with the --channels plugin:fakechat@claude-plugins-official flag. After installing, you therefore need to end the session and start it again.

Can someone on my network reach the interface?

According to the source code, the server binds to 127.0.0.1 only, so it is reachable locally. Since there is no login, you should not expose the port through a tunnel or proxy.

How do I change the port?

Set the FAKECHAT_PORT environment variable to the value you want before launching Claude Code. Without it, the source code uses port 8787.

Is the chat history kept?

No. The README explicitly lists no persistent history and no search; every page reload starts a fresh session. Uploaded files do remain in the ~/.claude/channels/fakechat/inbox/ folder, though.