Try a careful continuation
- Save the current stateReview the last tool result, changed files and any command still running. Avoid repeating a payment, deployment or other side effect.
- Continue if the client offers itAsk it to summarize completed work and perform only the remaining step. Continuation can consume more allowance and may repeat work unless you check.
- Reduce the task scopeSplit a long investigation into smaller tasks with explicit stopping points.
- If it recurs, inspect logsRecord client version and exact error. Check tool permissions, provider usage and runtime budgets separately.
Do not confuse three different mechanisms
| Signal | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Interactive tool-use banner | A client or tool budget may have stopped this run; consult that client’s logs. |
| API stop_reason pause_turn | Follow the provider’s documented continuation protocol for server-tool responses. Do not infer this raw API reason from every UI message. |
| Tool error max_uses_reached | A specific tool budget may be exhausted. Inspect the tool result rather than blindly resending. |
| 429 or usage-limit message | Apply rate-limit backoff or check the account usage view; continuing does not reset a subscription allowance. |
For developers, see handling stop reasons and the Claude Code CLI reference. Run budgets and server-tool limits are not interchangeable. This guide does not assume one universal iteration cap for every client.
Keep long runs bounded
Use explicit task boundaries, inspect diffs, and set the budgets supported by your client. Automatic retries or continuation must preserve tool history and stop after a bounded number of attempts. No client can guarantee that a resumed model will never repeat an action.
FAQ
Will Continue repeat completed work?
It can. Review tool history and local changes, and ask for only the remaining steps. Do not assume exactly-once execution.
Is this an account ban?
The tool-use message by itself does not establish an account ban. Check separate authentication or policy errors.
Does continuing reset my paid allowance?
No. It can consume more usage; check your account limits and budgets.