# Connect an assistant

> Create an API key and add the Tirver MCP server to Claude, Cursor or any MCP client.

## Create an API key

The MCP server uses the same workspace API keys as the [REST API](https://tirver.com/help/api/authentication.md). Only owners and admins can create them.

1. Sign in to [app.tirver.com](https://app.tirver.com).
2. Open **Settings, API keys** and create a key.
3. Choose its scopes. For a read-only assistant pick only the read scopes. To let it leave draft replies, create drafts and file feedback, add `conversations:write`, `help-center:write` or `feedback:write`. See [permissions](https://tirver.com/help/mcp/permissions.md).
4. Copy the key straight away. It is shown once.

Treat the key like a password.

## Add the server

Most clients accept a server address and a header. The values are always the same.

| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | `https://app.tirver.com/mcp` |
| Transport | Streamable HTTP |
| Header | `Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY` |

**Claude Code**

```bash
claude mcp add --transport http tirver https://app.tirver.com/mcp \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

**Cursor and similar**

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "tirver": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://app.tirver.com/mcp",
      "headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" }
    }
  }
}
```

**Claude Desktop**

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "tirver": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-remote", "https://app.tirver.com/mcp", "--header", "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"]
    }
  }
}
```

Restart the client after you edit its configuration.

## Check that it works

Ask the assistant something that needs your workspace, for example: "Search the Tirver help center for how to install the widget." The assistant should call `search_articles` and answer from what it finds. If it does not list Tirver among its tools, see the troubleshooting list below.

## Troubleshooting

| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
| No Tirver tools appear | Restart the client. Check the URL for typos. |
| `401 Unauthorized` | The key is missing, wrong, expired or revoked. The key starts with `trv_live_`. Create a new one. |
| Write tools are missing | The key has no write scope. Create a key that includes `conversations:write`, `help-center:write` or `feedback:write`. |
| A tool answers that a scope is missing | The message names the scope. Create a key that includes it. |
| `429 Too Many Requests` | The assistant is calling too fast. See [limits](https://tirver.com/help/mcp/limits.md). |

Source: https://tirver.com/help/mcp/connect