---
title: Connect to Claude Desktop
slug: connect-to-claude-desktop
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-02-03T14:05:58.462Z
---

In this guide, learn how to connect your MCP toolbox to Claude Desktop.

## Prerequisites 

- Claude Desktop account 
- [MCP toolbox URL and key](docId\:JqY6i5aCFIm-kOm9ERv7A) 

## Connect your MCP toolbox to Claude Desktop

To connect your MCP toolbox to Claude Desktop: 

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Open Claude Desktop.
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Click your profile name on the left sidebar, then **Settings**.
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In **Settings**, go to **Connectors**.
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Click **Add custom connector**.
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Name your MCP toolbox, then add your complete MCP toolbox URL following the structure below:

`<MCP TOOLBOX URL>`/t/`<TOOLBOX KEY>`/`<TRANSPORT METHOD>`
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Replace the placeholders with your actual values:

- `MCP TOOLBOX URL`: The URL generated when you created the MCP toolbox.&#x20;
- `TOOLBOX KEY`: The key generated for the MCP toolbox.&#x20;
- `TRANSPORT METHOD`: The path of your preferred transport method. Stateless Streamable HTTP (/stateless) is recommended due to its connection reliability.&#x20;

Example: `https://eu2.make.com/mcp/server/•••••••••••••/t/•••••••••••••/stateless`

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If you experience connection issues, add `/stream` instead of `/stateless` to the end of the URL.&#x20;
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Click **Add**.&#x20;
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You've now connected your MCP toolbox to Claude Desktop. In **Configure**, you can view all tools available through this toolbox.&#x20;

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## Troubleshoot an unexpected OAuth consent screen

**MCP toolboxes don't use OAuth.&#x20;**&#x49;f a sign-in request (OAuth consent screen) opens during the connection process, this is a known bug on Anthropic's side.

As a workaround, use Anthropic's request header authentication feature to add your toolbox key in an **Authorization&#x20;**&#x68;eader instead. While this feature is in beta, you must contact [Anthropic support](https://support.claude.com/en/) to request access.

Once you have access, continue with the connection process:

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Go back to the **Add custom connector** dialog and enter your complete MCP toolbox URL following the structure below:
` <MCP TOOLBOX URL>`/`<TRANSPORT METHOD>`

Example: `https://eu2.make.com/mcp/server/•••••••••••••/stateless`
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In **Request headers**, add an **Authorization&#x20;**&#x68;eader with the value `Bearer <TOOLBOX KEY>`, replacing `<TOOLBOX KEY>` with your actual toolbox key.
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Click **Add**.&#x20;
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For more information, see Anthropic’s [Remote MCP documentation](https://claude.com/docs/connectors/custom/remote-mcp#authenticating-with-request-headers).&#x20;
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:::hint{type="info"}
**MCP toolbox timeout:** Your MCP toolbox scenarios must finish running within 40 seconds. If a scenario runs longer, the connection times out and no outputs are returned to the client.
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