Guide
How to get notified when Claude Code finishes or needs your approval
Claude Code works on its own, then stops: either it has finished, or it needs your OK to run something. If you are in another window, that can sit unnoticed for minutes. These are the ways people get alerted, and what each one gives you.
Four ways to get alerted
| Way | What you get | Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal bell | A beep when something happens | No message, no project, and easy to miss |
| Your own hook script | A desktop notification you design | You write and maintain the script; it alerts but you still switch windows to answer |
| The terminal's own alerts | Notifications from the app you run Claude Code in | Support depends on the terminal, and it only covers Claude Code |
| Herdbell | A glow, sound or notification, plus a card to answer right there | A Mac app (macOS 14 or later), paid once |
Claude Code can run a command of your choice when it finishes or asks for permission (hooks such as Stop and PermissionRequest). That is what both the DIY script and Herdbell build on. See Claude Code hooks, explained.
With Herdbell
Sound and system notifications are optional and off by default, so you choose how loud it is. Everything stays on your Mac.
- Connect Claude Code in onboarding (or on the Agents page). Herdbell backs up its settings first.
- Start a chat as usual. When Claude Code finishes, your pointer glows green. When it needs permission, it glows amber and a card shows the command.
- Press Return to allow or D to deny, or type a reply to send it straight back into the same chat.
Which one should you pick?
If you only run one chat in one terminal you like, a hook script is a fine free start. If you run several chats, use several agents, or want to answer instead of just being told, a popup that works everywhere saves the window-switching.
Common questions
Does Claude Code notify me on its own?
It depends on your setup and terminal. Built-in alerts are not the same everywhere, which is why many people add a hook script or a tool like Herdbell.
Can Claude Code play a sound when it finishes?
Yes. Herdbell can play a short sound (optional, off by default) when Claude Code finishes, asks for permission, has a question or fails. Turn it on in Settings.
Can I get Claude Code notifications on my phone?
Not with Herdbell: it is a Mac app and alerts you on your Mac, with a glow, an optional sound and optional system notifications.
Can I answer Claude Code without opening the terminal?
Yes, with Herdbell. A permission request appears as a card at your cursor and you answer with one key, and you can reply when it finishes.