How to Use the Balena MCP in Claude Code

Q: Can I use Claude Code to filter Balena releases?

Yes. The CLI executes listreleases using OData $filter parameters to narrow results by fleet ID. It outputs the raw data right in your terminal.

Q: How do I download balenaOS images via Claude Code?

Tell the CLI your target device type. It runs listosversions to find the build, then getosdownloadurl to return the direct download link.

Manage your Balena edge fleets directly from the terminal. Claude Code executes IoT updates without leaving the command line.

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Setup Balena with Claude Code

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Claude

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Headless Fleet Operations

Balena tracks and updates remote IoT hardware through a centralized API. Claude Code interacts with this infrastructure by running `list_fleets` and `list_organizations` straight from your shell. You trigger these operations from a CI/CD pipeline or a remote SSH session. The CLI agent pulls the required data and pipes the output directly into your deployment scripts.

Scripted Balena MCP Server Updates

Managing hundreds of edge devices requires bulk operations rather than manual clicks. Your terminal agent uses `list_devices` with OData filters to target specific hardware batches. Once the target group is isolated, it executes `create_device_env_var` or `create_device_tag` across the list. This turns complex fleet management tasks into single-line terminal commands.

Automated OS Image Retrieval

Building custom images for different board architectures is a standard DevOps task. The CLI checks compatibility by running `list_os_versions` against your specified hardware type. It follows up immediately with `get_os_download_url` to fetch the exact balenaOS binary. You can pipe this URL directly into wget or curl within your automated build pipelines.

Setup guide

Set up Balena MCP in Claude Code

Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed (npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Run the add command

Open your terminal and run the command shown on the right. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com. Use --scope user to make it available across all projects.
2

Verify the connection

Start a Claude Code session and type /mcp to list connected servers. You should see balena-mcp with a green status indicator.
3

Start using tools

Ask Claude Code something like "Check my latest Balena transactions." It will automatically discover and invoke the available Balena tools.

Terminal

claude mcp add --transport http balena-mcp https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

Get your connection token →

Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open the config file

Create or edit .mcp.json in your project root for project-level scope, or ~/.claude.json for user-level scope.
2

Add the Balena MCP

Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Code

Start a new Claude Code session. Type /mcp to confirm the server is connected. The tools will be automatically available in your conversation.

.mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "balena-mcp": {
      "type": "url",
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by Balena. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about Balena MCP in Claude Code

Run claude mcp add --transport http balena -- . Make sure you put the transport and scope flags before the server name. Verify the connection with claude mcp list.

Yes. The CLI executes `list_releases` using OData $filter parameters to narrow results by fleet ID. It outputs the raw data right in your terminal.

You can check your current access levels from the shell. The agent runs `list_api_keys` and `whoami` to verify your active session details.

Tell the CLI your target device type. It runs `list_os_versions` to find the build, then `get_os_download_url` to return the direct download link.

Vinkius hosts the endpoint using a zero-trust model. Your API keys, hardware tags, and environment variables process through a temporary V8 Isolate. The system retains absolutely no persistent data.

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