How to Use Kimi-CC: Free Kimi AI for Claude Code
TL;DR
Use this article to move into a better next click
- Learn how to use Kimi-CC to power Claude Code with Kimi's latest AI model (kimi-k2-0711-preview) for free. Simple 3-step setup guide.
- Claude Code is most relevant for CLI Tools + Agentic Coding, and the directory profile adds pricing, tradeoffs, and alternatives.
- Before you commit, compare it with Cursor (IDE-integrated solution) and GitHub Copilot (code completion focused).
Kimi-CC is a simple tool that lets you use Kimi's AI model with Claude Code instead of Anthropic's models. It's completely free - you just need a Kimi API key.
Keep the tool in view
Open Claude Code before you forget it
The profile page adds pricing, pros, cons, and internal alternatives without throwing you straight to a vendor pitch.
What Kimi-CC Actually Does
Kimi-CC replaces Claude Code's default AI model with Kimi's latest model (kimi-k2-0711-preview). It's not a separate CLI tool, but rather a configuration layer for Claude Code.
Installation
Step 1: Get Your Kimi API Key
- Go to Kimi开放平台
- Navigate to: 右上角用户中心 → API Key 管理 → 新建 API Key
- Copy your API key
Step 2: Install Kimi-CC
Run this single command to install and configure Kimi-CC:
bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/LLM-Red-Team/kimi-cc/refs/heads/main/install.sh)"
The installer will:
- Ask for your Kimi API key
- Configure Claude Code to use Kimi's model
- Set everything up automatically
Step 3: Start Using Claude Code
That's it! Now just run Claude Code as usual:
claude
Claude Code will now use Kimi's AI model instead of Anthropic's.
Important Notes
- Free: Uses your Kimi API key, which has generous free limits
- No Additional Features: This only changes the underlying AI model, doesn't add new Claude Code features
- Same Interface: You'll use Claude Code exactly as before
- Model: Uses
kimi-k2-0711-previewfrom Kimi
Compare before you switch
Pressure-test Claude Code
Use the alternatives block on the tool page before you leave for the official site. That one extra step usually saves you a bad pick.
Troubleshooting
If the install script doesn't work:
- Make sure you have Claude Code installed first
- Check that your Kimi API key is valid
- Try running the install script again
Limitations
- Requires existing Claude Code installation
- Only changes the AI model, not Claude Code's functionality
- Still subject to Kimi's API rate limits
