In the age of AI , integrating workflow tools to optimize performance has become essential. Connectors – Claude AI's connector feature – is the solution that helps you transform an intelligent chatbot into a versatile virtual assistant capable of interacting directly with a wide range of applications and services you use daily.
From creating tasks on Linear and sending messages via Slack to searching for documents in Google Drive, everything can be done right within the chat interface with Claude.
How to use Connectors
Anthropic provides a rich library of built-in applications through its Connectors Directory. Currently, browsing and managing connectors is available on the Web and Desktop versions, while a mobile version is under development.
Go to Connectors Directory
Method 1 - From the chat interface: Tap the "+" icon in the bottom left corner of the chat window.
In the displayed menu, select "Add Connectors" to access the menu for adding the utilities and applications you want to integrate into Claude.
Method 2 - From the Settings feature: Access the Settings menu, select "Connector". This interface allows you to manage all existing connections and discover new applications.
Detailed steps for establishing the connection.
Step 1 - Choose an application: Browse the list of available connectors such as Google Drive , Slack, Notion, Linear, Gmail , Asana, Trello, and many others. Each connector has a detailed description of its functionality and compatibility. Or search specifically using the search bar.
Step 2 - Review Permissions: Before connecting, the system will clearly display the permissions Claude needs to operate. This includes read permission to access data and write permission to perform actions. Read carefully to ensure you understand what Claude can do with your account.
Step 3 - OAuth Authentication: Press the "Connect" or "Install" button. You will be redirected to the application's authentication page (via the secure OAuth 2.0 protocol). Log in with your account and grant Claude access according to the listed permissions.
If it's Google Drive as described above, you simply need to log in to the Google Drive account you want to link with Claude and allow Claude to use the data in your Drive account.
Step 4 - Confirm connection: After successful authentication, you will be returned to Claude with a successful connection message. The connector is now ready to use in conversations. You can find and manage the extensions and applications connected to Claude by selecting Profile Picture > Settings > Connector.
Security Note: By connecting, you are granting Claude access to your personal and work data. Only connect to services you trust and that are truly necessary for your workflow. Anthropic is committed to protecting user data with the highest security standards.
How to use Connectors in conversations
After successfully connecting the applications, the next step is to activate them for each specific chat session. This allows you to control when Claude is allowed to access the data of those applications.
Enable Connectors for chat sessions
- Open a new conversation or an existing conversation where you want to use the connector.
- Type "/" or tap the "+" icon in the bottom left corner.
- Hover your mouse over or click on the "Connectors" item in the menu.
- Toggle the services you want Claude to use in this conversation.
Examples of practical applications
Linear Integration: After activating the Linear connector, you can issue the command: "Create a new issue in your Mobile App project with the title 'Login Error on iOS 17' and a detailed description of the bug." Claude will automatically create the issue on Linear with all the information you provide.
Google Drive Search: Activate the Google Drive connector and ask: "Find all PDF files related to the Q4 2025 report." Claude will search your Drive and list the matching documents.
Slack Messaging: With the Slack connector, you can request: "Send a message to channel #engineering announcing the 3 PM meeting." Claude will compose and send the message immediately.
Interactive Connectors: Some special connectors, marked with an "Interactive" icon, allow you to display interactive interfaces such as dashboards, charts, or data tables directly within the chat window, enabling you to view and manipulate data without leaving Claude.
Advanced Connector Management and Customization
Tool access modes
When you connect multiple applications (especially more than 10 connectors), loading all tools simultaneously can slow down conversation processing. Claude offers different loading modes to optimize performance:
- Auto (Automatic - Default): The system automatically decides when to load connectors based on the conversational context. This is the optimal choice for most users, balancing performance and usability.
- On-demand: Connectors are only loaded when you actually call them in the command. This mode saves significant resources and is suitable when you have many connectors but only use a few in each conversation.
To change the mode: Go to Settings > Customize > Connectors, then select the mode that suits your needs in the Tool access modes section.
Custom Connectors (Beta)
For businesses or professional users needing to integrate Claude with their internal systems, the Custom Connectors feature allows you to connect to any service that supports the Remote MCP (Model Context Protocol) protocol.
How to set up a Custom Connector:
- Go to Settings > Customize > Connectors.
- Click on "Add custom connector" at the bottom of the list.
- Enter a display name for your connector (e.g., "Internal CRM", "Company Database").
- Enter the URL of the MCP server (for example, https://api.yourcompany.com/mcp).
- Set up OAuth or API key authentication if the server requires it.
- Check the connection and save the configuration.
Limitations: Free tier users are only allowed to add a maximum of 1 Custom Connector. Pro, Team, and Enterprise packages can add more custom connectors depending on the service plan.
What are connectors and why should you use them?
Connectors are a system that allows Claude AI to securely and efficiently access and interact with third-party applications. Instead of simply being a chatbot that processes static information, Claude now becomes the central hub for your workflow with the ability to:
- Real-time data access: Search emails, meeting schedules, and work documents directly from your account without switching between applications.
- Automate actions: Create issues on Linear, schedule appointments, send Slack notifications, update Notion data—all with natural language commands.
- Cross-platform synchronization: Operates consistently across all platforms, from Web, Claude Desktop, and Claude Mobile, to API integration via the MCP Connector.
Key benefits: Time savings, reduced manual operations, increased productivity, and the creation of intelligent automated workflows.
Security and privacy when using Connectors
Anthropic prioritizes user security and privacy with comprehensive commitments and safeguards:
- End-to-end encryption: All data transmitted between Claude and third-party applications is encrypted using advanced security protocols such as TLS 1.3, ensuring that no one can intercept or read your data during transmission.
- Access control: Claude can only access content that you are authorized to view in the original source. For example, if you don't have permission to view a file in Google Drive, Claude won't be able to access that file either, even if the connector is enabled.
- User-level access (Team/Enterprise): For enterprise packages, access is enforced at the individual user level. Connectors only work within each member's private projects. Chats containing data synchronized from connectors will automatically have their sharing feature disabled to prevent the leakage of sensitive information.
- No long-term storage: Data retrieved through the connector only exists during the current session and is not permanently stored on Anthropic's servers unless you actively save it to your conversation history.
- Revokable access: You can disconnect any connector at any time. When disconnected, all authentication tokens will be immediately invalidated, and Claude will lose access to that service.
- Recommendation: Regularly review the list of connected connectors and disconnect from services that are no longer in use to minimize security risks.
Conclusion: Maximizing the Power of Connectors
The Connectors feature has truly transformed Claude AI from an intelligent chatbot into a comprehensive workflow management center. Its seamless integration with dozens of applications and services—from project management like Linear and Asana, to communication like Slack and Gmail, to storage like Google Drive and Notion—opens up countless possibilities for workflow automation.
By effectively leveraging the MCP (Model Context Protocol) ecosystem and its built-in connectors, you can save hours of time each week, minimize manual errors, and focus on what truly matters – strategic thinking and creativity. With comprehensive security features, granular permission controls, and high customizability through Custom Connectors, Claude Connectors is the ideal solution for both individuals and businesses in the era of AI automation.
Start exploring Connectors today and experience the difference a truly intelligent AI assistant can make to your work!