How to Use the Balena MCP in Claude

Q: How do I install the Balena MCP Server in Claude Desktop?

Add the Balena MCP Server to your claudedesktopconfig.json file. Restart the app, and you will see the hammer icon confirm the tools are ready.

Manage your IoT fleets and edge devices directly from Claude Desktop.

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…and any MCP-compatible client

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Connect Balena MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect Balena to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup Balena with Claude Desktop

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Query fleets and devices via Claude Desktop

`list_fleets` and `list_devices` let your AI client pull live OData-filtered lists of your edge infrastructure. You ask Claude to find offline devices in a specific fleet, and it runs the exact query required to return that data. Claude parses the JSON response and formats it into a readable table right in the chat. If you need to dig deeper into a specific Raspberry Pi or Intel NUC, the agent can chain another call to grab its exact status.

Manage device configuration

`create_device_env_var` and `create_device_tag` give Claude write access to your fleet settings. When you tell your AI to update a database connection string for a specific edge node, it fires the mutation instantly. You skip logging into the web dashboard entirely. The agent handles the API formatting and confirms the new environment variable is active across the target hardware.

Track releases and OS versions

`list_releases` and `list_os_versions` pull the deployment history and available firmware for your hardware types. The Balena MCP Server can check which application version is currently running on a fleet before you trigger an update. If you need to flash a new board, `get_os_download_url` grabs the exact image link you need. Your agent simply hands you the correct URL based on the device type you specify in the prompt.

Setup guide

Set up Balena MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The Balena MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the Balena MCP configuration

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

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under balena-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "balena-mcp": {
      "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.

Why Choose Vinkius

Vinkius connects your tools to AI with real-time monitoring and automatic cost savings — all from one dashboard.

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Connect your favorite tools to your AI and see exactly what's happening — every request, every response, in real time.

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Vinkius compresses data between your apps and your AI automatically. Lower bills every month — no configuration required.

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place for every integration

Every tool your AI connects to, managed from a single screen. One account, complete control.

Common questions about Balena MCP in Claude Desktop

Add the Balena MCP Server to your claude_desktop_config.json file. Restart the app, and you will see the hammer icon confirm the tools are ready.

Yes. Go to Settings, open Integrations, and add the remote MCP server URL. Your AI agent can then pull fleet data from any browser.

The agent reads fleet status, lists devices, and manages environment variables. It uses OData filtering to find exact devices without pulling your entire inventory.

It takes raw JSON from the MCP Server and builds tables or summaries. You get clean, readable output instead of scrolling through terminal logs.

We route your API keys and device UUIDs through an ephemeral V8 Isolate Sandbox. Vinkius destroys the environment immediately after Claude finishes the request, leaving zero persistence.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

Connect this server to Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and more.

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