Using MemoryPlugin with Claude MCP
How to enhance Claude Desktop with long-term memory using MemoryPlugin's Model Context Protocol integration
Claude's Model Context Protocol (MCP) allows for powerful integrations with desktop applications. MemoryPlugin offers a specialized MCP integration that brings long-term memory capabilities to Claude Desktop. This guide explains how to set up and use MemoryPlugin with Claude MCP.
Understanding Claude MCP
Before diving into the integration, it's helpful to understand what Claude MCP is:
- Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a framework that allows Claude to use external tools and access data sources
- In the Claude Desktop application, MCP tools can be configured to extend Claude's capabilities
- MemoryPlugin's MCP integration provides Claude with access to your memory database through specialized tools
Getting Started with Claude MCP + MemoryPlugin
To use MemoryPlugin with Claude Desktop via MCP, you'll need:
- A MemoryPlugin account
- The Claude Desktop application installed
- MemoryPlugin's MCP package installed and configured
Installation and Setup
Follow these steps to set up the MCP integration:
- Create a MemoryPlugin account or sign in to your existing account
- Generate an API key from your MemoryPlugin dashboard (under Account > API Keys)
- Install the MemoryPlugin MCP package by following the instructions at github.com/memoryplugin/claude-mcp
- Configure the MCP tools in your Claude Desktop settings by adding your MemoryPlugin API key
Note: Claude Desktop MCP integration is different from the browser extension and provides deeper integration with Claude's capabilities.
Available MCP Tools
The MemoryPlugin MCP integration provides several tools that Claude can use:
- store_memory - Allows Claude to save information to your memory database
- get_memories - Retrieves relevant memories based on the current conversation
- list_buckets - Shows all available memory buckets in your account
- create_bucket - Creates a new memory bucket
- get_memories_and_buckets - Retrieves both memories and bucket information
Using MemoryPlugin with Claude MCP
Once the MCP integration is set up, Claude will automatically have access to your memories. Here's how the interaction works:
1. Creating Memories
Claude can create memories using the store_memory tool:
User: Please remember that I'm an architect specializing in sustainable design, and I'm currently working on a green building project in Portland.
Claude: I'll save this information to your long-term memory.
[Claude uses the store_memory tool to save:]
• You're an architect specializing in sustainable design
• You're currently working on a green building project in Portland
This information has been saved and will be available in future conversations.
2. Automatic Memory Retrieval
Claude will automatically retrieve relevant memories when needed:
User: What building materials would you recommend for my current project?
Claude: [Retrieving memories about your background and current project...]
Based on your work as an architect specializing in sustainable design and your current green building project in Portland, I'd recommend these eco-friendly building materials that would work well in the Pacific Northwest climate:
1. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) - Oregon and Washington have sustainable forestry programs
2. Rammed earth with appropriate weatherproofing for Portland's rainy conditions
3. Recycled steel - less carbon-intensive than new production
4. Hemp-based insulation - excellent for managing moisture in humid environments
5. Low-VOC finishes sourced from local manufacturers
3. Managing Memory Buckets
Claude can help you organize your memories:
User: Can you create a new memory bucket for my Portland project?
Claude: I'll create a new memory bucket for your Portland project.
[Claude uses the create_bucket tool]
Success! I've created a new bucket called "Portland Green Building Project". Would you like me to move your existing architecture and project memories to this new bucket?
Advanced MCP Features
Tool Chaining
Claude can combine multiple MCP tools for complex memory operations:
- Retrieve memories, analyze them, and create new memories based on insights
- Check existing buckets before creating new ones to avoid duplication
- Combine memory operations with other Claude MCP tools
Memory Management Commands
You can directly ask Claude to manage your memories:
- "Show me all my memory buckets" - Lists your available buckets
- "Retrieve memories about [topic]" - Searches for specific memories
- "Organize my memories about [topic] into a new bucket" - Creates and populates a bucket
Best Practices
To get the most out of MemoryPlugin with Claude MCP:
- Be specific with memory requests - When asking Claude to save or retrieve information, provide clear context about what you're looking for.
- Use consistent bucket naming - Create a logical bucket structure that makes it easy to find and organize related memories.
- Combine with other MCP tools - MemoryPlugin works well alongside other Claude MCP tools like file access or web browsing.
- Review memory operations - Periodically ask Claude to summarize what it knows about you to ensure memories are being stored and retrieved correctly.
Troubleshooting MCP Integration
If you encounter issues:
- API key issues: Verify that you've correctly entered your MemoryPlugin API key in the Claude Desktop MCP configuration.
- Tool availability: Make sure all MemoryPlugin MCP tools are enabled in your Claude Desktop settings.
- Memory retrieval problems: If Claude isn't finding relevant memories, try explicitly asking it to search for specific topics.
Conclusion
The MemoryPlugin MCP integration provides a deeper, more seamless memory experience for Claude Desktop users. By enabling Claude to directly access and manipulate your memory database through specialized tools, this integration creates a more capable assistant that can maintain context across sessions and proactively organize information. Whether you're working on long-term projects, need consistent personal assistance, or simply want Claude to remember important details, the MCP integration offers the most robust memory experience available.