How to add custom connectors (remote MCP servers) to Claude

Q: How do I add a custom connector to Claude?

Go to Customize > Connectors, click + Add, then Add custom connector. Enter a name and the server's address, check the sign-in settings and click Add.

Q: How do I change a custom connector's address or key?

You cannot edit it in place. Remove it under Customize > Connectors, then add it again with the new details.

Add any hosted MCP server to Claude as a custom connector by pasting its address, on every plan including Free.

Picks: 11; ranked

Go to Customize > Connectors, click + Add, choose Add custom connector, and paste the server's address. It works on Free, Pro, Max, Ultra, Team and Enterprise, but Free accounts get one custom connector. Claude connects from Anthropic's cloud, so the server must be reachable on the public internet.

Good for

People whose app is not in the Claude connectors directory but offers an MCP address
Team and Enterprise owners adding a connector for everyone
Developers testing their own remote MCP server in Claude

Key facts

Where: Customize > Connectors > + Add > Add custom connector
Plans: Free, Pro, Max, Ultra, Team, Enterprise
Free plan limit: One custom connector
Works in: Claude web, desktop, mobile and Cowork
Sign-in options: Sign in now, Sign in when needed, No sign in
API keys: Request headers
Team and Enterprise: Owners add under Organization settings > Connectors
Connects from: Anthropic's cloud, not your device
Editing: Remove and add again

Add a custom connector on Free, Pro, Max or Ultra

Claude

1
Get the server address
Find the remote MCP address in the service's docs. It usually ends in /mcp, for example https://mcp.linear.app/mcp. A local command such as npx ... will not work here.
Uses Linear
2
Open the connector settings
In Claude, go to Customize > Connectors. Click + Add, then Add custom connector.
3
Name it and paste the address
Type a name you will recognize and paste the address. Review the sign-in settings Claude detected. Leave the OAuth client on Use Claude's published identity (Recommended) unless the service told you otherwise.
4
Add a key if the service uses one
If the service gave you an API key or token instead of a sign-in, put it under Request headers, for example Authorization: Bearer <your key>. Claude sends it with every request.
5
Click Add and sign in
Click Add. If you picked Sign in now, a window opens to sign in to the service and approve access.
6
Turn it on in a chat
In a chat, click + at the lower left, open Connectors and switch it on. Then ask for something by the app's name.
Prompt
```
Using Linear, list my open issues due this week, grouped by project.
```
Uses Linear

Add a custom connector for a Team or Enterprise organization

Claude

1
Open organization settings as an owner
You need to be an Owner or Primary Owner. On Enterprise, a custom role with Manage access to Libraries also works. Go to Organization settings > Connectors.
2
Add it as a web connector
Click Add, hover over Custom, and select Web. Enter the name and address and save.
3
Tell members to connect
Adding it does not sign anyone in. Each member goes to Customize > Connectors, finds it (usually marked Custom) and clicks Connect.

Comparison

Use the directory when your app is listed. Use a custom connector for any other hosted server, and Claude Desktop for servers that run on your computer.

Option	How you add it	Listed by Anthropic	Runs	Works in
Directory connector	One click	Yes	Hosted	Web, desktop, mobile
Custom connectorThis page	Paste address	No	Hosted	Web, desktop, mobile
Local server	Desktop config	No	Your computer	Claude Desktop

Verdict

Check the directory first, since those connectors take one click. Use a custom connector when your app publishes a remote MCP address, and only add servers from companies you trust.

Best for

Apps with an official hosted MCP address
Testing your own remote server

Skip it if

The server only runs on your computer
The server sits behind a VPN or firewall

Top picks

Official, vendor-hosted servers with account sign-in that you can paste into Add custom connector, each with an approved PlugWiki page; ordered by GitHub stars, then name. Read 2026-11-01.

Often compared with

ChatGPT
Gemini

Common errors and fixes

The connector never connects or times out
Cause: The server is on a private network, behind a VPN or blocked by a firewall; Claude connects from Anthropic's cloud.
Fix: Use a public address, or have the server owner allow Anthropic's IP addresses.
Source
You cannot add a second custom connector
Cause: Free accounts are limited to one custom connector.
Fix: Remove the one you have or upgrade to a paid plan.
Source
There is no way to change the address or key
Cause: Custom connectors cannot be edited in place.
Fix: Remove it under Customize > Connectors and add it again with the new details.
Source
A Team member does not see Add custom connector
Cause: On Team plans only Owners and Primary Owners can add connectors.
Fix: Ask an owner to add it under Organization settings > Connectors, or use Request in the directory.
Source
The connector is added but Claude does not use it
Cause: Connectors are switched on per conversation.
Fix: Click + in the chat, open Connectors and switch it on.
Source

Questions

How do I add a custom connector to Claude?

Go to Customize > Connectors, click + Add, then Add custom connector. Enter a name and the server's address, check the sign-in settings and click Add.

Can I connect Claude to any MCP server?

Any remote MCP server with a public web address, yes. Servers that run on your computer from a command need Claude Desktop instead; see Claude Desktop.

Are custom connectors free?

Yes, on every plan. Free accounts can add one custom connector; paid plans can add more.

Why will my custom connector not connect?

Claude connects from Anthropic's cloud, not your computer. A server on a company network, behind a VPN or blocked by a firewall cannot be reached unless its owner allows Anthropic's IP addresses. Also check the address is the remote MCP address, not a web page.

How do I change a custom connector's address or key?

You cannot edit it in place. Remove it under Customize > Connectors, then add it again with the new details.

Do connectors work in the Claude mobile app?

Yes. Remote connectors run from Anthropic's cloud, so once you add one it works in the web, desktop and mobile apps.

What is the difference between the directory and a custom connector?

Directory connectors are listed in Claude's connectors directory and you add them with one click under + > Connectors. A custom connector is any address you paste yourself, and Anthropic has not verified the service behind it.

Are custom connectors safe?

Only as safe as the server you add. A bad server can hide instructions that push Claude to do things you did not ask for. Add servers from companies you trust, read each approval request, and turn off tools that can change data when you run Research, because Claude may use tools without asking there.

Who can add connectors on a Team plan?

Only Owners and Primary Owners on Team. Members can ask for one with Request on the connector's page in the directory.

Information

updated Nov 1, 2026

Made by: Anthropic
Connector directory: claude.ai/directory

In the Claude directory

Sources

Docs, issue trackers and discussions this page is built from.

Show all 2

Get started with custom connectors using remote MCP · support.claude.com
Use connectors · support.claude.com