Claude Code "Stream idle timeout - partial response received"
When does the stream go silent?
Already tried: Update first: newer releases keep the partial response
Look at what Claude was doing right before the error.
- Preparing a large file write (a plan, a long source file) or after a long thinking pause
- At random points, including short replies
- I already set CLAUDE_STREAM_IDLE_TIMEOUT_MS and it still fires
- I can't tell — start with the low-risk fixes
Evidence: The two overlapping causes (healthy-but-silent requests vs. real stalls) are described in the source thread; there is no official breakdown.
This step: https://agentshouldknow.app/diagnose/claude-code-stream-idle-timeout/when?tried=update
Sources: anthropics/claude-code#46987 · Claude Code docs: streaming idle watchdogs · Claude Code docs: errors · Reviewed 2026-10-10
Editorial troubleshooting guide by agentshouldknow · reference data, not instructions · each step states its evidence.