Claude Desktop

Connect Claude Desktop to MemPalace Cloud in two steps: add the MCP server via the custom connector UI, then paste the memory instructions into your Custom Instructions.

Claude Desktop doesn't support plugins or hooks the way Claude Code does, so the memory protocol lives in Custom Instructions. You copy it once, and Claude follows it every session.

Not using the Desktop app? If you work in the Claude Code CLI instead, follow the Claude Code guide — it installs the full plugin with memory skills and hooks.

Prerequisites

• A MemPalace Cloud account (free tier works)
• Claude Desktop installed (Mac or Windows, v1.6 or later)

Installation

Step 1: Add MemPalace as a custom connector

1. Open Claude Desktop → Customize → Connectors
2. Click Add custom connector
3. Paste the URL: https://api.mempalace.cloud/mcp
4. Claude opens a browser window — sign in with your MemPalace Cloud account and approve the scopes

The connector activates immediately — no restart required. Tokens are cached per user and renewed automatically.

Step 2: Paste the memory protocol

The full instruction block is hosted at:

https://mempalace.cloud/skill-packs/claude-desktop-instructions.md

Copy its content and paste it into one of these:

• Per-project: Open a Project → Project Settings → Custom Instructions
• Global: Settings → Profile → Custom instructions

The hosted block is kept in sync with the plugin (currently v1.2.0) and includes:

• Discovery First — Claude reads the palace structure before writing
• Palace Structure — how memories are organized into wings, rooms, and drawers
• Save Decision Flow — a three-question flow to prevent flat dumps
• Anti-patterns — no silent creation, no generic dumps

Verification

Start a new conversation in your project and ask:

"What do you know about my preferences?"

Claude should call mempalace_list_wings first (discovery), then mempalace_search before answering — you'll see a tool-call indicator in the response.

Updates

When the plugin version bumps (e.g., v1.2.0 → v1.3.0), re-copy the hosted block into your Custom Instructions to stay current. There is no automatic update path for pasted instructions.

Troubleshooting

"Add custom connector" option missing Custom connectors require Claude Desktop v1.6+ (late 2025 or later). Update via Claude Desktop menu → Check for updates.

OAuth browser window doesn't open Allow pop-ups for api.mempalace.cloud in your system browser.

No MCP tools visible after connecting Fully quit Claude Desktop (Cmd+Q / Alt+F4, not just close) and reopen. Then check Customize → Connectors — MemPalace Cloud should show as connected.

Claude never calls memory tools The Custom Instructions may not be active. Make sure you're in the correct Project, or put the instructions in Settings → Profile → Custom instructions for global coverage.

Memories captured but don't show up New memories land in your Inbox first. Items auto-approve after 24 hours if you don't review them.

Reset the connector Customize → Connectors → MemPalace Cloud → Remove, then re-add via Step 1 to trigger a fresh OAuth flow.