> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.kataven.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect Kataven MCP to Claude Desktop

> Set up the Kataven MCP server in Claude Desktop on macOS, Windows, or Linux. Manage voice agents, run campaigns, and place test calls — all from chat with Claude.

[Claude Desktop](https://claude.ai/download) speaks MCP over local stdio — `kataven-mcp` plugs in directly, no tunnel needed.

<Note>
  Already done [Install](/sdks/mcp/install)? Skip to step 3. Otherwise: `pip install kataven-mcp`, then [mint an API key](/sdks/mcp/install#2-mint-an-api-key).
</Note>

## 1. Open Claude Desktop's MCP config

Easiest path — let Claude Desktop open the file for you:

**Settings** (gear icon) → **Developer** → **Edit Config**

This opens the file in your default editor and creates it if it's missing. If you'd rather edit directly:

| OS      | Config path                                                       |
| ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| macOS   | `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` |
| Windows | `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`                     |
| Linux   | `~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`                     |

## 2. Paste the universal entry

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "kataven": {
      "command": "kataven-mcp",
      "env": {
        "KATAVEN_API_KEY": "sk_live_acme_..."
      }
    }
  }
}
```

If `claude_desktop_config.json` already had other MCP servers, merge — keep one outer `mcpServers` object with multiple keys inside it.

## 3. Fully quit and relaunch

**Cmd+Q** on Mac (not just close-window — Claude keeps running in the dock). Ctrl+Q on Linux. On Windows, right-click the system-tray icon → Exit, then relaunch.

## 4. Verify

Open a new chat. The 🔧 hammer icon below the message composer shows tools available — you should see `kataven_list_agents`, `kataven_create_agent`, etc.

Try:

> List all my Kataven agents.

Claude calls `kataven_list_agents` and replies with the list. If you see *"No tools available from kataven"* or the server doesn't appear at all, see [Troubleshooting](/sdks/mcp/troubleshooting).

## 5. Verify in the dashboard

After Claude makes changes, sanity-check at the corresponding Hub UI route:

| What changed         | Open in Hub UI                                                       |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Agents               | [hub.kataven.ai/agents](https://hub.kataven.ai/agents)               |
| Phone numbers        | [hub.kataven.ai/phone-numbers](https://hub.kataven.ai/phone-numbers) |
| Live or recent calls | [hub.kataven.ai/conversations](https://hub.kataven.ai/conversations) |
| Campaigns            | [hub.kataven.ai/campaigns](https://hub.kataven.ai/campaigns)         |

## See also

* [Manage with Claude Desktop](/guides/manage-with-claude-desktop) — example prompts, broader walkthrough.
* [Security](/sdks/mcp/security) — mint a separate key per app, set cost caps.
* [Troubleshooting](/sdks/mcp/troubleshooting) — when tools don't appear.