MCP clients
Connect Ken to Claude Desktop with MCP
Claude Desktop connects to Ken's remote MCP server as a custom connector, not through claude_desktop_config.json. Add Ken under Customize > Connectors, select Connect, then sign in to Ken in your browser. It works on Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise plans.
How Do You Connect Ken to Claude Desktop?
In short Add https://mcp.ken.so/mcp as a remote MCP server in Claude Desktop, then sign in to Ken in your browser.
Open Connectors in Claude Desktop
In Claude Desktop, go to Customize > Connectors. Older guides, including the MCP docs, open the same page from Settings > Connectors.
Add a Custom Connector
Select + Add, then Add custom connector. Name it Ken, paste the server URL below, then select Continue.
https://mcp.ken.so/mcpKeep OAuth Sign-In
Claude detects that Ken uses OAuth. If the form asks for an OAuth client, choose Register automatically, because Ken registers each connector itself. Select Continue, then Add.
Connect and Sign In to Ken
Select Connect on the Ken connector. Your browser opens the Ken sign-in. Sign in with the account you use in the Ken app, then select Allow access on the Ken approval screen. You never paste a client ID or secret.
Turn Ken On in a Chat
In a chat, select + at the lower left, open Connectors and switch Ken on for that conversation.
Can You Use a Ken API Key Instead of OAuth?
In short Yes. Claude Desktop can send your Ken API key as a Bearer token when a browser sign-in is not an option.
Send a Ken API Key as a Request Header
Create a key in the Ken app under Settings > Integrations > API Keys. In the Add custom connector form, put it in Request headers as the Authorization header with the value Bearer and your key. Do not add Ken to claude_desktop_config.json: that file only starts local servers.
Authorization: Bearer <KEN_API_KEY>
What Can You Ask Ken From Claude Desktop?
In short Ask in plain language. The client picks the Ken tool, and Ken runs it with your workspace role.
| Ask | Ken tool used | What the tool does |
|---|---|---|
| Find VPs of Sales at US software companies with 50 to 200 employees. | search_read | Searches Ken's people and company database and returns filter facets. |
| Load Ken's campaign-planning skill and plan a 3-step cold email campaign for that list. | load_skill | Loads one Ken workflow skill, such as campaign-planning, into the chat. |
| Which of my campaigns are running right now? | campaigns_read | Lists campaigns and reads one campaign's settings and status. |
| How did my campaigns do this week? Show sends, replies and bounces for each one. | analytics_read | Reads campaign performance, engagement, deliverability and reply classifications. |
| Show me the replies that came in today and summarize each one. | threads_read | Lists inbox threads and reads their messages. |
| Pause the fintech campaign while I rewrite step 2. | campaigns_write | Creates, updates, launches, pauses and resumes campaigns. |
Admins and members get read and write tools. View-only members get read tools plus inbox replies.
What If Ken Does Not Connect in Claude Desktop?
In short Most failures come from a skipped sign-in step or a client setting.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ken added to claude_desktop_config.json does not start | That file only launches local servers with a command. Remove the entry, restart Claude Desktop, and add Ken under Customize > Connectors instead. |
| Ken does not answer in a chat | Select + at the lower left of the chat, open Connectors and switch Ken on for that conversation. |
| You need to change the URL or the key | Claude has no edit option for connectors. Remove Ken with the three dots next to it in Customize > Connectors, then add it again. |
| A Ken tool answers "Missing scope" | Part of the Ken approval screen was declined. Remove Ken from the client, add it again and select Allow access. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I edit claude_desktop_config.json to add Ken?
No. That file configures local servers that Claude Desktop starts on your computer. Ken is a remote server, so you add it as a custom connector in Settings.
Is Ken in Claude Desktop the same connector as on claude.ai?
Yes. Claude configures remote connectors through your Claude account, even in apps that run on your computer, so Ken added on claude.ai is the connector Claude Desktop uses.
Which Claude plans can add Ken?
Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise. Free allows one custom connector. On Team, only Owners and Primary Owners add connectors for the organization.
Which Ken workspace does Claude Desktop use?
With one workspace, Ken picks it for you. If you belong to several, say which workspace you mean in your request. Ken rejects calls to workspaces you are not a member of.
The new Ken opens to the waiting list in batches.
Related
- Ken MCP server
What Ken's MCP server does and every client it works with
- Claude MCP: Connect Ken as a Custom Connector
- ChatGPT MCP: Connect Ken as a Custom MCP Server
- Claude Code MCP: Connect Ken
- Cursor MCP: Connect Ken
- Codex MCP: Connect Ken to OpenAI Codex
- Gemini CLI MCP: Connect Ken
- Connect Ken to Perplexity with MCP
- Connect Ken to VS Code and GitHub Copilot with MCP
- Ken pricing
Plans and credit prices
Sources
| Source | Checked |
|---|---|
| Claude Help Center: custom connectors using remote MCP | |
| MCP docs: connect to remote MCP servers | |
| MCP docs: connect to local MCP servers |
Changelog
- Page published.