How to Connect Claude to a Remote MCP Server

A step-by-step guide to add any remote MCP endpoint URL to Claude on the Web or Desktop.

Gavin King

Remote MCP Server Overview

MCP (Model Context Protocol) lets Claude use tools and data provided by another service. Claude calls remote connections custom connectors. This guide covers endpoints available over HTTPS, not tools that run locally on your computer. Remote connectors are tied to your Claude account and connect from Anthropic's cloud on both Web and Desktop.

Before You Start

• Treat any endpoint tokens like passwords. Do not post or publicly share them with anyone who should not have access.
• Only connect servers from organizations you trust. Their tools may be able to read data or take actions on your behalf.

Plan Availability and Permissions

Custom connectors are available on Claude Web and Desktop for Free, Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans. Free accounts are limited to one custom connector. See Anthropic's connector availability guide for current plan and organization requirements.

On Team and Enterprise plans, an Owner or Primary Owner must first add the endpoint from Organization settings → Connectors → Add → Custom → Web. Each member can then connect it from Customize → Connectors. Owners can restrict individual connector tools to Always allow, Needs approval, or Blocked. See Anthropic's remote MCP connector guide for details.

Claude Web

1. Copy the entire MCP endpoint URL.
2. Open Claude in your browser.
3. Select Customize in the sidebar.
4. Select Connectors.
5. Click Add, then select Add custom connector.
6. Enter a name and paste the entire MCP endpoint URL into Remote MCP server URL.
7. If the server provides an OAuth Client ID and Client Secret, expand Advanced settings and enter them.
8. Click Add.
9. Find the connector in the list, click Connect, and complete authentication if prompted.
10. Start a new conversation and ask Claude to use the tool.

Claude Desktop

1. Copy the entire MCP endpoint URL.
2. Open Claude Desktop and sign in to your Claude account.
3. Select Customize in the sidebar.
4. Select Connectors.
5. Click Add, then select Add custom connector.
6. Enter a name and paste the entire MCP endpoint URL into Remote MCP server URL.
7. If the server provides an OAuth Client ID and Client Secret, expand Advanced settings and enter them.
8. Click Add.
9. Find the connector in the list, click Connect, and complete authentication if prompted.
10. Start a new conversation and ask Claude to use the tool.

If you already added the connector on Claude Web, it will appear in the Desktop list. Click Connect instead of adding it again. Do not add a remote endpoint to claude_desktop_config.json. That file is for local MCP servers.

Troubleshoot Claude MCP Connections

• The connection is unauthorized: Copy the endpoint again and make sure the full token is present.
• Claude cannot find the tools: Start a new conversation and make sure the connector is enabled for that conversation.
• The connection times out: Confirm the endpoint is publicly reachable over HTTPS. Claude remote connectors call the server from Anthropic's cloud on both Web and Desktop.
• The setting is missing: Update Claude and ask your organization owner whether custom connectors are restricted.