Claude Connectors: How to Connect Claude to Other Apps
Zapier explains how to link Anthropic’s Claude AI assistant to external apps using connectors, plugins, and the Model Context Protocol for automated workflows.
Claude connectors are native integrations that let the AI assistant interact with external services such as Google Drive, Slack, or GitHub. These connectors handle authentication and expose specific operations, enabling Claude to search files, retrieve content, or perform actions within those apps directly from a chat conversation. All users, including those on free plans, can install connectors, though free-tier users are limited to one active connector at a time. Team and Enterprise plans require organizational approval before individual users can authenticate connectors.
Claude plugins are pre-configured bundles that may include connectors alongside skills and sub-agents tailored for specific workflows, such as marketing or finance research. Unlike connectors, plugins are restricted to paid plans and offer ready-to-use setups that combine multiple tools and commands into a single installable package. The Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard initially developed by Anthropic, underpins these integrations, though users typically interact with connectors without needing to understand MCP’s technical details.
The capabilities of each connector vary depending on the service it supports, but generally fall into two categories: read operations, which allow Claude to search and retrieve live data from connected apps, and write operations, which enable the assistant to take actions such as creating records, drafting messages, or updating files. For example, a project manager could ask Claude to compile open issues from Linear, cross-reference them with notes in Google Drive, and send a status report to Slack—all within a single chat session without switching applications.
To install a connector, users click the plus button next to the chat window, open the Connectors Directory, and select the desired service. After reviewing the connector’s capabilities and granting authentication permissions, the integration becomes active and can be toggled on or off within conversations. On Team and Enterprise plans, account owners must enable connectors at the organizational level, with Enterprise plans also supporting centralized authorization for the entire organization. Connectors can be removed via the settings menu by selecting Customize, then Connectors, and clicking Disconnect.