Connect Parallect to Claude Code via MCP -- use an API key one-liner, OAuth with browser login, or zero-config dynamic registration.

Claude Code

Claude Code is Anthropic's terminal-native coding agent. It supports MCP over Streamable HTTP, which means connecting Parallect is a single command — no config files to edit.

What this integration enables

Once connected, Claude Code can invoke Parallect tools directly from your terminal session. Typical uses:

Research while coding — ask Claude Code to run deep research on a library, architecture pattern, or domain topic without leaving your terminal.
Inline context — pull Parallect-backed summaries and citations into your workflow.

Setup options

There are three ways to connect, from simplest to most seamless.

Option 1: API key (simplest)

Generate an API key at parallect.ai/settings/keys, then run:

claude mcp add --transport http parallect https://parallect.ai/api/mcp/mcp \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer par_live_YOUR_KEY"

Replace par_live_YOUR_KEY with your actual key. This is the fastest path if you already have a key.

Option 2: OAuth with Client ID

This opens a browser login flow so you don't need to handle API keys:

claude mcp add --transport http --client-id claude-code \
  parallect https://parallect.ai/api/mcp/mcp

Then inside Claude Code, run /mcp and select Authenticate for Parallect. A browser window opens for you to log in.

Option 3: Zero-Config (Dynamic Client Registration)

Claude Code can register itself automatically — no API key or client ID needed:

claude mcp add --transport http parallect https://parallect.ai/api/mcp/mcp

Run /mcp inside Claude Code, select Parallect, and authenticate via the browser. Claude Code handles OAuth discovery and client registration behind the scenes.

Options 2 and 3 both use OAuth 2.1 with PKCE. The difference is that Option 2 uses a pre-registered client ID while Option 3 uses Dynamic Client Registration (RFC 7591) to create one on the fly.

Verifying the connection

Once connected, try asking Claude Code to run a research query:

Use parallect to research "Latest advances in fusion energy" and show me the results

You should see Claude Code invoke the research tool, start a job, and return results.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	What to try
401 / unauthorized	Regenerate your API key; ensure the header value includes `Bearer` prefix.
OAuth login doesn't open	Check that your default browser is set; try Option 1 with an API key instead.
"Insufficient Balance"	Add credits at parallect.ai/settings/billing or add a payment method.
Tools don't appear	Run `/mcp` in Claude Code to check server status; try removing and re-adding the server.
Connection timeout	Research jobs run asynchronously — use `research_status` to poll; don't wait for completion in one call.

Removing the integration

To disconnect Parallect from Claude Code:

claude mcp remove parallect

Claude Code

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