How to Install and Set Up Claude Connectors (MCP) | Alpha | PandaiTech

How to Install and Set Up Claude Connectors (MCP)

A step-by-step guide to connecting external apps like Google Drive or GitHub to Claude using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), checking connection status, and managing access permissions.

Learning Timeline
Key Insights

Context Control Tip

You can provide explicit instructions in your prompt on whether or not Claude should use data from a specific connector to answer a question.

Data Security

Through MCP, you have full granular control. If you don't want Claude reading specific files, you can disable those specific permissions without needing to remove the entire connection.
Prompts

Tool Connection Verification

Target: Claude
Do you have access to my Google Drive files? Please list the last 3 documents I modified.
Step by Step

Steps to Connect Claude Connectors (MCP)

  1. Open the Claude AI chat window.
  2. Navigate to the bottom left of the screen and click on the 'Search and tools' icon.
  3. Browse the directory of available connectors (Productivity, Communication, Development, etc.) and select the app you want to connect (e.g., Google Drive or GitHub).
  4. Click on your chosen connector to start the setup process.
  5. Follow the authentication instructions displayed on your screen; the system will automatically handle the configuration via the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
  6. Once the status shows as connected, you can start giving instructions to Claude to retrieve context or perform actions within that application.

Checking Status and Managing Permissions

  1. Click on any active connection to view the list of granted permissions.
  2. Use the 'On/Off' toggle for each permission to granularly control Claude's access to your data.
  3. Review the list of tools available within that connection to discover new functions you can use with Claude.
  4. Verify that the connection is working by sending a prompt to Claude asking about its access to the tool.