Claude Custom Connectors
Claude connectors let Claude use tools from outside services while you chat. A custom connector is any remote MCP server you add by URL. Once you add it on claude.ai, it also works in Claude Desktop and the Claude mobile apps.
Remote servers only. Chat-app connectors reach your server over the public internet. A local stdio server (one you start with npx or uvx) will not work. On Skills Playground MCP pages, look for the Add as a Connector box — it only shows for remote servers and gives you the URL to paste.
Add a Custom Connector
- Open claude.ai and go to Settings → Connectors
- Click Add custom connector
- Give it a name and paste the remote MCP server URL
- Click Add. If the server uses OAuth, sign in when asked
- In a chat, open the tools menu and turn the connector on
On Team and Enterprise plans, an owner may need to add the connector for the organization first.
Claude Code and Claude Desktop
Claude Code can also run local servers. To add a remote server from the terminal:
claude mcp add --transport http my-server https://example.com/mcpSee the Claude Code integration guide for more.
Find Servers to Add
Browse the MCP server directory and filter by the streamable-http or sse transport. Each remote server page has a Claude.ai tab under Add as a Connector with the exact URL to copy.