CCM On Ubuntu 24.04: Providers Vanishing?

Nov 25, 2025 by Admin 42 views

Hey guys! If you're using Claude Code Mux (CCM) version 0.6.3 on Ubuntu 24.04 and finding that your providers (like OpenAI or Gemini) are disappearing after you refresh the page, you're not alone! This is a frustrating issue, and we're going to dive into the problem, explore some potential fixes, and figure out if it's a bug or something we can resolve. Let's get started.

The Problem: Providers That Don't Stick Around

So, the scenario is this: You've installed CCM on your Ubuntu 24.04 machine, probably using the pre-built binaries (which, by the way, are super easy to set up). You've gone through the steps to add your OpenAI or Gemini API key. You save everything, feeling all smug that you're ready to roll. But then, you refresh the page, and poof – your provider is gone! It's like your hard work vanished into thin air. This is what we're tackling today.

Detailed Breakdown of the Issue

Let's break down exactly what's happening. You're following the standard installation procedure:

Downloading and Extracting: You grab the latest CCM release from GitHub, specifically the glibc version. This is the common method for installing the tool on Linux.
Moving the Binary: You move the ccm binary to a location in your system's PATH, making it globally accessible.
Verification: You confirm the installation by checking the version. So far, so good.
Configuration Folder Woes: You then run into trouble saving your provider. The first troubleshooting step is deleting and recreating the configuration folder ~/.claude-code-mux. This is a good initial troubleshooting step.
Adding a Provider: You start CCM and add your provider, either OpenAI or Gemini, enter your API key, and hit save. Everything seems perfect at this point.
The Disappearing Act: The moment you refresh the page, your provider vanishes. It's like the app isn't storing your settings correctly, which is super annoying.

This behavior makes CCM pretty much unusable because you have to re-enter your provider details every single time. Not cool!

Tried and Tested Troubleshooting Steps

The user has already taken some crucial troubleshooting steps. Let's give them a shout-out for being proactive:

Deleting the Configuration Folder: A common fix for configuration issues is to reset the app by deleting the config folder.
```
rm -rf ~/.claude-code-mux
```
Recreating the Config Folder with Permissions: The user then recreated the config folder and set full permissions (777). This should ensure the app can read and write to the folder.
```
mkdir -p ~/.claude-code-mux
chmod -R 777 ~/.claude-code-mux
```
Verifying Permissions: They even checked the folder permissions using ls -la to confirm that the folder exists and has the correct permissions. The output shows the config.toml file, which means the configuration folder is being created, but the providers are still not being saved.

Despite these efforts, the issue persists, which is a real head-scratcher. It means something more is likely at play.

Potential Causes and Solutions

Okay, so the usual suspects have been ruled out. Let's brainstorm some potential causes and what you can do about them:

1. Version Compatibility Issues:

It's always a good idea to ensure you're using a compatible version of CCM with Ubuntu 24.04. While CCM 0.6.3 might be compatible, there could be underlying issues. Check the official CCM GitHub repository for any known compatibility issues or bug reports related to Ubuntu 24.04.

2. File Access Problems (Despite Permissions):

Even with 777 permissions, there might be other factors preventing CCM from saving the configuration file. Maybe the file system itself has some quirks, or there's a security policy that's interfering. Consider these points:

SELinux or AppArmor: If you're using SELinux or AppArmor on your system, they could be restricting CCM's access to the config folder. Try temporarily disabling these security features (if you know how, and be careful!) to see if it resolves the issue. If it does, you'll need to configure the security policy to allow CCM access. This is a more advanced solution.
Filesystem Quirks: Rarely, a corrupted filesystem can cause weird behavior. Try running a filesystem check (e.g., fsck) on the partition where your home directory is located. This is a bit of a nuclear option, so back up your data first.

3. Bug in CCM:

It's possible this is a legitimate bug in CCM. Given the steps you've already taken, this is a likely possibility. Here's what you can do:

Check the GitHub Issues: Go to the CCM GitHub repository and search the issues section for similar problems. There might be a reported bug or a workaround. Look for issues related to provider saving or configuration problems.
Report the Bug: If you can't find an existing issue, create a new one! Provide as much detail as possible: your OS, CCM version, the steps you've taken, and the expected vs. actual behavior. This helps the developers diagnose the issue.

4. Incorrect API Key or Provider Settings:

Although less likely if you can add a provider, double-check your API key and provider settings. Ensure:

Valid API Key: Make sure your API key is correct and active for the provider you're using (OpenAI or Gemini).
Provider Configuration: Check the CCM settings for any specific configurations needed for each provider. Some providers may have specific requirements.

5. Dependencies Issues:

CCM might depend on certain libraries or packages. Ensure your system has all necessary dependencies installed. Sometimes, an outdated or missing dependency can cause problems. Although it seems less likely given the installation method, it's worth checking, especially if you're experiencing other weird issues.

Investigating Further: Actionable Steps

Here are some concrete steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the problem:

Check Logs: Look for any error messages or logs generated by CCM. These logs can often give you clues about what's going wrong. You might find them in the ~/.claude-code-mux folder or in your system's logs (e.g., /var/log/syslog). If you can find the log, then you can determine if it is a bug.
Update CCM: Although you're using the latest version, consider trying the newest release, just in case a bug fix has been implemented. Also, ensure you're using the correct binary for your system (e.g., the x86_64 version for a 64-bit Intel/AMD processor).
Test on Another System (If Possible): If you have access to another Ubuntu 24.04 machine, try installing CCM and adding a provider there. If the problem doesn't occur, it points to an issue specific to your original system.
Simplify: Try a very basic configuration. Remove everything, install the tool, and add just one provider with the most basic settings to see if it sticks around after a refresh.
Monitor the Config File: Keep an eye on the config.toml file in ~/.claude-code-mux. Does it get updated when you add the provider? Does it change when you refresh the page? This can help you understand if the problem is with the saving process or something else.

Is it a bug?

Based on the information provided, it's highly probable that this is either a bug in the Linux build of CCM or an issue related to the configuration on your specific system. The fact that the configuration folder exists with correct permissions indicates that the app is likely able to create and read files. However, it seems the data isn't being saved correctly. Since the user has tried all the standard troubleshooting steps, it's very likely that this is an issue. It would be advisable to report the bug on the CCM GitHub repository.

Conclusion: Navigating the CCM Provider Puzzle

So, there you have it, guys. The disappearing provider issue in CCM on Ubuntu 24.04 is a tricky one. We've explored the problem, covered troubleshooting steps, and discussed potential causes and solutions. Remember to check for version compatibility, look into file access issues, and consider reporting a bug if needed.

By following these steps, you should be able to get your providers to stick around, making CCM a much more useful tool. Good luck, and happy coding!