Chapter 08 · Going further

    Connecting an MCP

    In the last chapter we covered what an MCP is. Now the practical part: connecting one to Claude. It takes a few minutes and no code. We will connect a remote connector, which is the most common kind.

    What we are doing

    There are two ways to connect a tool to Claude. A remote connector lives on the internet and you add it with a link and a sign-in. A local server runs on your own machine and needs a little setup. Most people start with a remote connector, so that is what we will do here. The shape of the steps is the same either way.

    Before you start

    • A Claude account on a plan that supports connectors. On a company workspace you may need an admin to switch connectors on.
    • The connector you want. Many popular tools are in Claude's built-in directory; for anything custom you will need its connector link.
    • Your normal sign-in for the tool, since you will log in to approve access.

    Step by step

    1. 01
      Open your settings
      In Claude, open the menu with your name or initials, then choose Settings.
    2. 02
      Go to Connectors
      Find the Connectors section. This is where every tool Claude can reach is listed and managed.
      settings / connectors
      FIG 1 - The Connectors settings page
    3. 03
      Add your connector
      Pick your tool from the directory if it is listed. If you were given a custom connector link, choose the option to add one manually and paste it in.
    4. 04
      Sign in and authorise
      A window asks you to sign in to the tool and allow Claude to connect. It is the same secure sign-in you use elsewhere. Claude never sees your password.
      authorise access
      FIG 2 - The sign-in and permission prompt
    5. 05
      Choose what it can access
      Review what the connector is allowed to do and read. Grant only what you need; you can widen access later.
    6. 06
      Save and head back to chat
      Once it shows as connected, you are done. The tool is now available to Claude in your conversations.

    How to know it worked

    Start a new chat and ask Claude to do something simple with the tool, for example:

    "Using the Canva connection you just gained, create a carousel that explains MCP setup."

    If it is connected, Claude will show that it is using the tool and come back with real information from it.

    claude using the connector
    FIG 3 - Claude calling the tool and returning live results

    If something goes wrong

    The connector is not in the list

    It may need a custom link, or your plan may not include it yet. Check with whoever manages your workspace.

    Sign-in fails or loops

    Make sure you are logged in to the right account for that tool, then remove the connector and add it again.

    Claude does not use it

    Ask more directly, naming the tool, and check that the access you granted covers what you asked for.

    TIP

    Connect one tool first and get comfortable before adding more. A single well-scoped connection you trust beats five you are unsure about.

    Next up

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