The short answer
Claude connectors let Claude reach outside services such as Google Drive, Gmail, Slack or a CRM, so it can find information and take actions for you. They are built on the Model Context Protocol, or MCP, an open standard for linking AI assistants to business systems. You add a connector from the directory under Customize, sign in to the service, and choose per conversation whether Claude can use it. On Team and Enterprise, an Owner decides which connectors the organisation offers.
- Connectors link Claude to services like Google Drive, Gmail and Slack; MCP is the open standard underneath.
- You switch a connector on per conversation and can set tool permissions.
- Team and Enterprise Owners control which connectors staff can add.
- A CRM only works if it has an MCP server, otherwise it needs custom building.
What a connector is
A connector links Claude to an app or service so Claude can find information there and act for you. Without one, Claude only sees what you paste in. With a drive connector, you can ask which proposals mention a client. With a calendar connector, you can ask what is on tomorrow. It saves the copy and paste. Because it works through your own sign-in, Claude sees only what your account can already see. Sources: Claude docs: get started with connectors
What MCP is
The Model Context Protocol is an open standard that defines how AI assistants talk to tools and data. Because it is shared, a service that publishes an MCP server can work with many assistants, not only Claude. Other assistants, including ChatGPT, also support MCP connectors, so the effort is less likely to be wasted if you switch tools. You do not need to understand the technical detail to use connectors, but it helps to know the standard is open and not owned by one vendor. Sources: Model Context Protocol
Adding one in practice
Go to Customize, then Connectors, and browse the directory. Each listing carries a Verified or Community label. Select Connect, sign in to the service and approve the access Claude requests. In each chat you then toggle the connector on, and Claude can ask your approval before using its tools. If a connector is missing on a Team plan, ask an Owner to add it. You can also remove it later without affecting other staff. Sources: Claude docs: get started with connectors
Email, drive and CRM
Anthropic documents first-party integrations for Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, GitHub, Slack and Microsoft 365. A CRM depends on whether the vendor offers an MCP server, which many now do. If yours does not, a developer can build one, or you can connect through a middle layer. Check the directory for your CRM first. Ask your CRM vendor whether they publish an MCP server, and which actions it allows. Sources: Claude docs: get started with connectors
Permissions and risks
A connected assistant can read data you did not mean to share and, if allowed, send or change things. Set tool permissions to needs approval for any action that sends, edits or deletes, and block what you do not need. Treat community connectors with caution and favour Verified ones. A downside of connectors is that every one adds something to audit. Sources: Claude docs: get started with connectors
Team and Enterprise control
On Team and Enterprise plans, an Owner adds a connector for the organisation and members then connect with their own account. Staff can request ones that are missing. This stops people connecting unvetted tools to company data, which is the main reason to use a business plan for this. It also gives you one place to switch a connector off if a vendor has a problem. Sources: Claude docs: get started with connectors, Claude pricing
Questions people ask
What does MCP stand for?
Model Context Protocol, an open standard for connecting AI assistants to tools and data.
Can Claude connect to my CRM?
If your CRM offers an MCP server or is in the directory, yes. Otherwise it needs custom work.
Are connectors free?
Claude lists connectors on its Free plan too, but the services you connect may need their own paid accounts. Check the pricing page.
tools.ceo is published by Kamand, which is mentioned on this page. No affiliate links on this page at publication. Product names link to official sites so you can check current pricing. How we work.
