Replyz / Claude connectors
Claude connectors: how to add a custom connector.
Connectors let Claude use outside tools through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). You can pick verified ones from the Connectors Directory or add a custom connector for any remote MCP server. This page shows both, with the Replyz email connector as the custom example: it gives Claude an email inbox of its own.
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What are Claude connectors?
A connector links Claude to a service so it can read from it or act in it during a conversation. There are two kinds:
- Directory connectors. Verified services listed in Claude's Connectors Directory, with their use cases and read/write capabilities. Some carry an Interactive badge and can show live interfaces inside the chat.
- Custom connectors. Any remote MCP server you add by URL. Anthropic hasn't verified these, so only connect servers from organisations you trust and check what they can access.
How do you add a connector from the directory?
- Click + next to Connectors and browse by category.
- Open a connector to see what it does, then click Connect or Install.
- Complete the sign-in and permissions it asks for.
How do you add a custom connector?
- Open Customize → Connectors, click + Add, then Add custom connector.
- Enter a name and the remote MCP server URL.
- Under Authentication, choose Sign in now or Sign in when needed for OAuth servers, or No sign in for servers that use a fixed key.
- For a fixed key, add it under Request headers, for example
Authorization: Bearer <key>. - Click Add, then turn the connector on in a chat.
Custom connectors run from Anthropic's cloud, so the server must be reachable over the public internet. Free accounts can add one custom connector; on Team and Enterprise, an Owner or Primary Owner adds them for the organisation.
Example: give Claude its own email inbox
The Replyz connector is a custom connector with an API key in a request header:
Name: Replyz URL: https://mcp.replyz.io/mcp Authentication: No sign in Request header: Authorization: Bearer <your Replyz API key>
Once it's on, ask Claude: "Create an inbox, sign up for the newsletter tool and give me the confirmation link." Claude calls create_inbox and get_verification, using an address of its own instead of yours. More on the Replyz for Claude page.
How do you turn connectors on in a chat?
Connectors are switched on per conversation. Click + (or type /), open Connectors and toggle the ones Claude should use. Manage, disconnect or review permissions in the Connectors section of settings.
Frequently asked questions
What are Claude connectors?
Connectors let Claude use outside services through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). You can add verified ones from the Connectors Directory, or add a custom connector for any remote MCP server.
How do I add a custom connector to Claude?
Open Customize, Connectors, click Add, then Add custom connector. Enter a name and the remote MCP server URL, choose how it authenticates, and click Add. Then enable it in a chat.
Can a custom connector use an API key instead of OAuth?
Yes. Choose No sign in and add the key under Request headers, for example Authorization with Bearer and the key. Claude sends that header on every request.
Which plans can add custom connectors?
Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise, in Claude, Claude Desktop and Cowork. Free accounts can add one custom connector. On Team and Enterprise, an Owner or Primary Owner adds connectors for the organisation.
Why doesn't my custom connector work?
Custom connectors run from Anthropic's cloud, so the MCP server must be reachable over the public internet. Local servers on your own machine won't work as custom connectors.
How do I turn a connector on in a chat?
Connectors are toggled per conversation. Use the + button or type /, open Connectors, and switch on the ones you want Claude to use.