beginner⏱️ 10-20 minutes📅 Updated June 2026

Step-by-step guide to integrate AniList MCP server with Claude Desktop App. Enhanced Claude Desktop App functionality with AniList integration.

AniList + Claude Desktop App: Complete MCP Integration

AniList is a MCP server that Search anime, manga, characters, staff, and studios with detailed information retrieval and advanced filtering through AniList API integration..

When integrated with Claude Desktop App, you can:

  • Access AniList functionality through Claude Desktop App

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to set up AniList in Claude Desktop App, including configuration, examples, and troubleshooting.

What You'll Achieve

After completing this setup:

  • AniList will be fully integrated and operational
  • You can use AniList tools directly in Claude Desktop App
  • All AniList capabilities will be available for your workflows

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • Claude Desktop App installed and configured
  • Compatible operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Installation

Step 1: Install AniList

Configuration

Step 2: Configure Claude Desktop App

  1. Locate your configuration file:

    • Windows: %APPDATA%\\Claude\\claude_desktop_config.json
    • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
    • Linux: ~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
  2. Add server configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "anilist": {
      "command": "anilist",
      "args": [""],
      "env": {
        
      }
    }
  }
}

  1. Restart Claude Desktop App

Completely quit and restart Claude Desktop App to load the new configuration.

Examples

Once configured, you can use AniList in Claude Desktop App:

Testing Your Setup

  1. Start a new conversation in Claude Desktop App
  2. Ask Claude Desktop App to list available tools
  3. Try using AniList functionality

Test prompts:

  • "Can you list the available tools from AniList?"
  • "Please use AniList to {example_task}"

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Server Not Appearing

Symptoms: No server in interface, Tools not available

Cause: Configuration file error or server installation issue

Solution:

  • Validate JSON syntax using online validator
  • Check configuration file location
  • Verify server installation
  • Restart Claude Desktop completely

Server Error on Startup

Symptoms: Error messages in logs, Server fails to start

Cause: Missing dependencies or environment variables

Solution:

  • Check server requirements are met
  • Verify environment variables are set
  • Check system logs for detailed errors

AniList not appearing in Claude Desktop App

Symptoms: Server not listed, Tools not available

Cause: Configuration or installation issue

Solution:

  • Verify configuration syntax
  • Check AniList installation
  • Restart Claude Desktop App
  • Check logs for error messages

Next Steps

Now that AniList is integrated with Claude Desktop App:

  • Explore all AniList capabilities through Claude Desktop App
  • Check out other MCP servers that work with Claude Desktop App
  • Join the MCP community for tips and support
  • Consider contributing to AniList development

Need Help?

Related Resources

More Integrations

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Need Help?

Join the MCP community for support and discussions

AniList + Claude Desktop App: MCP Setup Guide (2026)