Docs mismatch: permission mode UI in Desktop app doesn't match documented 'mode selector next to send button'

[leokmy-cpu]

Summary

The permission modes documentation describes switching modes via a mode selector next to the send button in the Desktop app. However, in the current Desktop app UI, no such selector exists next to the send button. Instead, permission mode (defaultMode) is configured through /config → Claude Code section.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open Claude Code Desktop app
2. Look for a mode selector next to the send/submit button — none is present
3. Run /config, navigate to the "Claude Code" section — defaultMode setting is found there instead

Expected Behavior

Documentation should accurately reflect how to switch permission modes in the current Desktop app UI, or the UI should match the documented behavior (a visible mode selector next to the send button).

Actual Behavior

Permission mode can only be changed via /config → Claude Code section → defaultMode. There is no visible mode selector in the chat UI.

Environment

• Claude Code Desktop app
• Platform: macOS (Darwin 25.5.0)
• Claude Code version: latest

[bcherny]

The Desktop docs describe the mode selector next to the send button in the Code tab, and note that not every mode appears there (Auto and Bypass permissions are gated by plan/settings). The Cowork tab is different: it uses its own permission modes and shows no selector at all until a non-default mode is enabled for your account. See https://code.claude.com/docs/en/desktop#choose-a-permission-mode and https://code.claude.com/docs/en/permission-modes#switch-permission-modes

If you're in the Code tab on the current Desktop release and still see no selector, please reopen with a screenshot and the Desktop app version so we can chase it as a UI regression rather than a docs error. Closing for now.

🤖 Generated with Claude Code