How to Connect Claude to the Internet Using MCPs and Brave Search API

If you're looking to enhance Claude's capabilities by connecting it to the Internet, using MCPs (Model Context Protocol) and the Brave Search API is a great solution. Here's a step-by-step guide to get started:

Step 1: Download the Latest Claude Desktop Version

First, head over to https://claude.ai/download and download the latest desktop version of Claude.

Step 2: Obtain a Brave Search API Key

Next, you'll need a Brave Search API key. Visit the Brave Search API portal and sign up for a free API key. With the free tier, you get up to 2,000 queries per month.

Step 3: Locate or Create the Claude Desktop Configuration File

Locate your Claude desktop configuration file:

If you don't see the file:

  1. Open Claude's top settings.
  2. Click on the developer section.
  3. Select "Edit Config".

If the option isn't available, create a new file named claude_desktop_config.json in the appropriate directory.

Step 4: Configure the MCP Server

Add the following configuration to the file, replacing YOUR_API_KEY_HERE with your actual Brave Search API key:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "brave-search": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-brave-search"],
      "env": {
        "BRAVE_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Save the file after making these changes.

Step 5: Restart Claude

Restart the Claude desktop application. Once restarted, navigate to Claude -> Settings -> Developer. You should now see "brave-search" listed as an available MCP server.

That's it! You're all set to use Claude with Internet access via the Brave Search API.