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

# Connect

> Set up the Howly MCP in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or any MCP client.

Setup is a one-time configuration you paste into your MCP client. Howly generates it for you.

**1. Open the MCP setup**

In Howly, go to your account and find the MCP setup under **AI Assistant Access**.

**2. Create a connection**

Click **New token** and give it a name. It defaults to "Claude Desktop," but any MCP-compatible client works.

**3. Copy the configuration**

Howly generates an `mcp-remote` configuration containing the Howly MCP URL and your personal token. Copy or download it. The raw token is shown only once.

**4. Paste it into your client**

Add the configuration to your client's MCP settings. For Claude Desktop, that's Settings, then MCP. Save, then restart the client so it loads the server.

**5. Confirm the tools are live**

Open a new chat. The Howly tools should be available. Ask something like "What's the health score of my HubSpot portal, and what are the top issues?"

> [!WARNING]
>
> The raw token is shown only once, when you create the connection. Save it then. Never paste a token into a chat prompt.

## Supported clients

The Howly MCP works with any MCP-compatible client, including Claude Desktop and Cursor. The configuration Howly generates uses `mcp-remote` to bridge your client to the server, so the same config works across clients that support it.

## Managing connections

From the same screen you can:

* **Rename** a connection inline, so you can tell your laptop from your work machine.
* **Revoke** a connection at any time. Once revoked, that token stops working immediately.

Create a separate connection per device or client rather than sharing one token around.

## Before you can query anything

The MCP reads from the HubSpot portal connected to your Howly account. If no portal is connected, or you've switched to a portal you don't have access to, the tools return nothing. Connect a portal in Howly first. See [Connect HubSpot](https://docs.howly.io/getting-started/connecting-hubspot).

Having trouble? See [MCP Troubleshooting](https://docs.howly.io/mcp/troubleshooting).


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