What Is a Connector? How Claude Plugs Into Your Apps (MCP)
Without a connector, Claude only knows what you paste into the chat. With one, it can search your inbox, read files in Drive and check your calendar, always with your own access rights. This guide explains what connectors are, how they work behind the scenes (MCP), and how to set one up in five minutes.
01What a connector is, in one sentence
A connector is a link between Claude and an app you already use, such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Slack or Microsoft 365. Through it, Claude can read information from the app and sometimes take actions there too, like creating an email draft.
Under the hood, connectors are built on MCP (Model Context Protocol), an open standard introduced by Anthropic and now supported by many tools, including ChatGPT, Visual Studio Code and Cursor.
What it means for you: instead of copying and pasting emails and files into the chat, you ask Claude to go and fetch them itself.
02The analogy: a USB-C port for AI
Think of a travel plug adapter: your device stays the same, only the plug changes to fit the socket. MCP does the same for AI. The official MCP site even compares it to a USB-C port: one standard socket any app can offer and any AI assistant knows how to plug into. A connector is the specific cable, for example the one to Gmail.
03How it works: from request to answer
- 1YouType a normal request, e.g. find the supplier's latest quote
- 2ClaudeRealises it needs outside data and picks the right connector
- 3Connector (MCP)Passes the request to the app in a standard format, with your permissions
- 4The appGmail, Drive or Calendar returns the emails, files or events
- 5Result backClaude summarises, compares or drafts, and shows you before any action
04Kinds of connectors worth knowing
Ready-made connectors from the directory
Claude's settings include a directory of hundreds of ready connectors: Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, Microsoft 365, Slack, Notion, Asana, Canva, Figma and more.
Remote connector by URL
If a tool offers a remote MCP server, you add it as a custom connector using its URL. The free plan allows only one custom connector.
Desktop extension
In Claude Desktop you can install a desktop extension (an MCPB file) that runs a connector locally on your computer, for example to reach local folders.
Interactive apps
MCP Apps can show a real interface inside the chat, such as a form, a board or a design preview, not just text.
Plugins
In Claude Code and Cowork, a plugin bundles skills, connectors, commands and sub-agents, so a team gets a complete kit in one install.
05Example: a supplier quote in Gmail
06Example: summarising a calculations folder in Drive
07More everyday uses in the office and on site
Planning site visits
Claude checks Google Calendar for free slots next week and proposes a round of visits to three sites grouped by area.
Summarising a team channel
What was decided this week in the project channel on Slack or Teams, and who owns what.
A project poster
Claude creates a first design in Canva or Figma for a project poster or slide, and you keep editing it there.
Reading code issues
For those who build calculation tools: Claude reads open GitHub issues and sorts them by priority.
08Which connector for common needs
| Need | Recommended connector | What it lets Claude do |
|---|---|---|
| Emails from suppliers and clients | Gmail or Microsoft 365 (Outlook) | Search threads, summarise and draft replies |
| Calculation files, reports and PDFs | Google Drive or Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, SharePoint) | Search and read files, summarise a whole folder |
| Schedules and site visits | Google Calendar | Check availability and suggest meeting times |
| Team communication | Slack or Microsoft 365 (Teams) | Summarise channels and find past decisions |
| Tasks and projects | Asana, Notion or monday.com | Update tasks and summarise project status |
| Presentations, posters and design | Canva or Figma | Create and edit designs, read design files |
| Code and internal tools | GitHub | Read issues and code, summarise changes |
09How to connect one in five minutes
- 1
Open the Connectors screen
In Claude (web or Desktop), open Settings, go to the Customize area and then Connectors. The exact menu name may differ slightly between versions.
- 2
Browse the directory
Search for your app, for example Gmail or Google Drive, and click Connect.
- 3
Sign in with your own account
The app's own sign-in window opens (OAuth). Read which permissions are requested and approve. Your password is never given to Claude.
- 4
Turn it on in a chat
In the chat, click the + button at the lower left, choose Connectors and switch on only what this conversation needs.
- 5
Try a simple read request
Start with something harmless, like: what are the last three emails from this client? Move on to write actions only once you feel comfortable.
10Skill vs connector: what is the difference?
Skill
- Teaches Claude how to work: a procedure, template or style
- For example: how to write a site visit report in your office format
- Gives no access to any outside system
- Answers the question: how do we do this here?
Connector
- Gives Claude access to data and actions in an app
- For example: reading your emails or files
- Works with your account's permissions
- Answers the question: where is the information?
11Pitfalls and safety rules
Least privilege
Connect only what you need, and switch off connectors and tools a chat does not need.
Read-only first
Start with requests that only read data. Allow actions like sending, deleting or sharing only after you know how it behaves.
Review before send or delete
Claude asks for approval before actions. Do not click Allow always except for tools you fully trust.
Prompt injection
An email or document can contain text that tries to give Claude instructions. If Claude suddenly suggests an action you did not ask for, stop and check.
Company policy and client data
Before connecting systems that hold client information, check what your company allows. On Team and Enterprise, admins decide which connectors are available.
Custom connectors are not vetted
Anthropic does not verify custom connectors. Only connect servers from providers you trust.
12FAQ
Does Claude see all my emails and files all the time?
No. Claude reaches into an app only when you ask for something that needs it, and only with the permissions you granted. You can switch a connector off per chat or disconnect it completely in settings.
Where does it work?
Connectors are available on claude.ai, Claude Desktop, the mobile apps, Claude Code and Cowork. Some features depend on your plan and device.
Does it cost money?
You can use connectors on the free plan too, with limits, for example only one custom connector. On Team and Enterprise plans the organisation controls what is available.
What is the difference between MCP and a connector?
MCP is the standard, the shared language. A connector is a specific link built on that standard, for example the Gmail connector.
Does it only work with Claude?
MCP is an open standard, so other tools such as ChatGPT, Visual Studio Code and Cursor support it too. One MCP server can serve several AI assistants.
Can I connect a server on my office's internal network?
Remote connectors connect from Anthropic's cloud, so a server behind a VPN or firewall will not be reachable without suitable network settings. For local access, a desktop extension is usually the better route.