MCP connections give an agent tools from another service or local program. For example, a connected issue service can let the agent read current requirements instead of relying on pasted text. First connect the service, then enable it where you want to use it; individual actions can still ask for permission.
#Add a remote server
- Open MCP / Skills, then MCP Servers.
- Choose Add → Remote MCP URL.
- Enter the service's actual Server URL.
- Select Continue.
- Complete sign-in if required.
- Inspect its tool catalog and enable it for the intended scope.
Public HTTPS endpoints are supported by this remote flow. If needed, the connection detail offers Use an access token → Save and connect. Enter tokens in that settings form, not in a transcript.
Connection status distinguishes Ready, Saved · connects when used, Connecting…, Sign-in required, and Unavailable. A saved idle connection is not necessarily broken.
#Inspect tools and permissions
Open a connection's Tools tab. Expand a tool to read what it does and the inputs it accepts. The Permissions tab offers applicable AI review behavior: session default, AI review, or Ask every time.
Enabling a connection does not approve every tool call. Session permission policy and action-specific authorization still apply.
If the agent cannot see a tool, check that the connection is enabled for the intended conversation and that its provider supports the connection.
#Local and computer connections
Import vendor config inspects supported runtime configuration and can produce a disabled local copy after review. See Imports and skills.
On your computer uses the Clay Studio browser extension. Follow the displayed extension/native bridge instructions, including the generated install command for that extension ID. This is different from a process running on the Clay Studio server.
Computer connections are configured per project. Personal imported and remote connections are for supported owner-private conversations. They are unavailable in shared sessions, and a private session can also lose access after another person's input. Making the session private again does not erase that history. A Worker cannot use personal tools to bypass its Driver's restrictions.
For a personal task, use your own private conversation with the appropriate connection. Keep material you retrieve there private unless you intend to share it.
The Chrome-extension bridge is not available in private Mate conversations. Use the shared Browser there.
#Maintain a connection
Use Manage connection to rename or remove a managed connection. Removal disables it and removes saved connection credentials; it does not revoke an external service account by itself.
If sign-in fails, inspect the connection status and provider flow before repeatedly adding duplicates. See Browser, Permissions, and Provider capabilities.