How to Use the ESPHome MCP in Claude

Q: How do I connect my ESPHome devices to Claude Desktop?

You need to add the server configuration to your claudedesktopconfig.json file. Once you define the command and arguments, restart the app and the tools will appear in your chat.

Q: Can Claude Desktop manage my ESPHome sensors?

Yes, it can. By using the getentitystate tool, Claude Desktop reads your sensor data directly from the device's web server.

Stop flipping physical switches. Control your ESPHome devices directly inside the Claude Desktop app using natural language.

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Connect ESPHome MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect ESPHome 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 ESPHome with Claude Desktop

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Perplexity

Full IoT control in Claude Desktop

Your AI agent now talks directly to your hardware. Use `light_action` or `switch_action` to toggle devices without leaving your chat window. It handles the heavy lifting of the Web Server API so you can focus on your automation logic. Just tell the agent what you need changed and watch your local environment react.

Real-time sensor data retrieval

Need to know if the garage door is open? Call `get_entity_state` to see the current status of any sensor or binary switch in your house. This MCP server keeps your diagnostic loop tight. You'll see the exact state of your environment before the agent decides which `cover_action` to trigger next.

Precision hardware tuning

Adjust your environmental settings with `number_set` or `select_option` to dial in your hardware exactly how you want it. Whether you're tweaking fan speeds or setting numeric thresholds, the agent performs these actions instantly. It's the fastest way to bridge your code and your hardware.

Setup guide

Set up ESPHome 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 ESPHome 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 ESPHome 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 esphome-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "esphome-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 ESPHome. 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 ESPHome MCP in Claude Desktop

You need to add the server configuration to your `claude_desktop_config.json` file. Once you define the command and arguments, restart the app and the tools will appear in your chat.

Yes, it can. By using the `get_entity_state` tool, Claude Desktop reads your sensor data directly from the device's web server.

The server only touches your local network state and sensor telemetry. Since it runs as a local subprocess, your data stays within your machine's environment.

The tools will return a connection error. You'll need to check your local network or the device's uptime before the agent can execute further commands.

No. This integration talks directly to the device's local HTTP endpoint. It stays completely off the cloud.

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