You add a custom connector in Claude by giving it a name and the URL of a remote MCP server, then choosing how people sign in. It works on Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise plans, with limits by plan. The server must be reachable from Anthropic's cloud, so a laptop only server will not work.
Who can add one
Anthropic's help article says custom connectors using remote MCP are available on Claude, Cowork and Claude Desktop for Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise plans. Free users are limited to one custom connector.
Who may add a connector depends on the plan:
- Pro and Max: individual users add their own.
- Team: only Owners and Primary Owners add one for the organization.
- Enterprise: Owners, Primary Owners, and users with a custom role that includes Manage access to Libraries.
After an organization adds a connector, each member connects to it individually.
The steps for an individual plan
- Open Customize, then Connectors, click Add, then Add custom connector.
- Enter a name and the remote server URL.
- Review the detected authentication settings and change them if needed.
- Choose how people connect: sign in now, sign in when needed, or no sign in.
- Choose an OAuth client option if you are using OAuth.
- If the server does not use OAuth, add fixed credentials such as an API key under request headers.
- Click Add.
To use it in a conversation, use the plus button, then Connectors, and toggle it on.
The network requirement most people miss
Claude connects from Anthropic's cloud, not from your device. The server has to be reachable over the public internet, or you must allowlist Anthropic's IP addresses on a private network. Local servers defined in the Claude Desktop config file are a separate mechanism and are not available in Cowork or on claude.ai.
Cautions from Anthropic
- Custom connectors are not verified by Anthropic, so connect only to servers you trust.
- With OAuth, Claude does not see your password. Fixed credentials are stored encrypted.
- On shared plans, everyone using a shared credential gets that credential's access, so scope it.
- Watch for prompt injection in tool inputs and outputs, and for unexpected changes in tool behaviour.
- Use Allow always only for tools you trust to run unsupervised.
- Research can call connector tools without further approval, so disable write tools first.
Connect Safeguard
Safeguard states on its download page that it runs as an MCP server and can connect to Claude through a connector directory or URL. The walkthrough is in getting started with Safeguard MCP in Claude Desktop.
Click through it at your own pace, or open it full screen.
Quick check
Can I point a connector at localhost?
No. Claude connects from the cloud, so the server needs a publicly reachable address or an allowlisted route.
Who adds a connector on a Team plan?
Owners and Primary Owners. Members then connect to it individually.
Sources
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
