Connect an AI client

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Connecting takes three steps: turn MCP on, create a token, and paste the token and URL into your AI client. You only do it once per client.

1. Turn MCP on

MCP is off by default, on every account. Open Settings, Features, MCP and switch on Enable MCP.

Until you do, the endpoint refuses every request, including from a token you have already created. That ordering is deliberate: turning the switch off is a reliable way to cut off every connected client at once, without hunting down tokens.

2. Create a token

In the same settings section, create a token and give it a name describing where it will be used, such as claude-desktop or work-laptop.

The token is shown once. Notate stores only a hash of it, so it cannot be shown again later. If you lose it, revoke it and create another.

Use a separate token per client. It costs nothing and it means you can revoke one without disturbing the others.

3. Configure your client

Notate is a remote MCP server over HTTP. Most clients take a URL and a header.

{
  "notate": {
    "type": "http",
    "url": "https://api.notate.md/mcp",
    "headers": {
      "Authorization": "Bearer notate_st_your_token_here"
    }
  }
}

Where that goes depends on the client:

  • Claude Code — add it to the mcpServers block in your Claude configuration
  • Claude Desktop — Settings, then Connectors, then add a custom connector
  • Anything else — anywhere the client asks for a remote or HTTP MCP server

Restart or reconnect the client after saving, then ask it something like “what folders do I have in Notate?” to confirm it is working.

Checking it worked

A connected client lists the Notate tools it can see. If tools appear and a simple question returns your folders, you are done.

If it does not connect

The endpoint explains itself rather than failing blankly. What you see tells you what to fix:

MessageWhat to do
MCP access is turned off for this accountStep 1: switch on Enable MCP in Settings
Your plan does not include MCP accessMCP needs the Sync plan or above
Service token revoked, expired, or unknownThe token was revoked or mistyped; create a new one
This account has end-to-end encryption enabledMCP cannot serve encrypted accounts. See the overview

If a specific action is missing rather than the whole connection failing, that is the approval settings rather than a connection problem. See permissions.

Revoking access

Revoke a token in Settings, Features, MCP. It stops working immediately, and the others keep working.

Revoking stays available even if your plan changes, so a token you created while subscribed can always be cleaned up afterwards.