How to Change the Model in Claude

Updated on:

May 13, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to switch AI models in Claude for any new chat.

Quick summary

Changing the AI model in Claude lets you choose between options like Sonnet and Haiku to match your task's needs. You can switch models directly from the chat interface before running any prompt, giving you full control over performance and speed.

Steps

Under the New Chat tab, go to the chat box and click the Model selector right below it.
Choose the specific model you want to use, such as Haiku 4.5 or another available option.
Start writing and running a prompt — Claude will use the newly selected model to process your request accordingly.

📌 Why this matters

Choosing the right Claude model — whether Sonnet for advanced reasoning or Haiku for speed — directly impacts the quality and efficiency of AI-generated responses. Claude's built-in model selector makes it easy to switch between models within any new chat session, without leaving the interface. This flexibility allows users and teams to optimize for their specific use case, balancing capability against response time. For anyone using Claude as a daily AI assistant, knowing how to change the model is a foundational skill that unlocks the full range of what the platform offers.

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