• EXTERNAL
  • LOGIC
  • DATA
  • HUMAN

How to trigger external API calls with your AI

Connect Convex to your agent to execute non-transactional logic. Once linked, your AI can trigger third-party services through your existing Convex setup.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I make my AI call external APIs?

Your agent calls Convex actions to reach outside services. This allows you to trigger webhooks, send notifications, or run custom code that stays separate from your database transactions. You'll see the results of these calls right in your chat.

Where requests land.

The outcomes of your requests.

Your agent routes your commands to the appropriate Convex execution path.

EXTERNAL

Third-party service calls

The agent uses Convex actions to hit external endpoints. You get the response from that service directly in your chat window.

LOGIC

Custom code execution

Your agent runs non-transactional logic through Convex. This handles tasks like sending messages or triggering webhooks.

DATA

Database interactions

The agent uses Convex functions to read or write data. This keeps your state in sync with your instructions.

HUMAN

Manual confirmation

For sensitive actions, the agent stops and asks you to approve the request. You maintain control over what actually executes.

The workflow

What your AI does when a request arrives.

The agent identifies the intent and picks the right tool to handle it.

  1. Identify the task

    Your agent looks at your prompt to decide if you need to interact with the database or an external service.

    run_function

  2. Trigger external logic

    If you need to hit a third-party API, the agent executes a Convex action to perform the request.

    run_action

  3. Update database state

    For data changes, the agent runs a Convex function to modify your records.

    run_function

  4. Deliver the result

    The agent takes the output from the Convex execution and tells you what happened.

    run_actionrun_function

Try it

Copy these to start.

Paste these into your chat to test the connection.

Starting points

These are starting points. Swap the specific service or function name for the one you actually use.

Convex Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_MADGSG1GwcjX2nZFJX7QdDYmcBCtd1WoRLCUHsG9/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — Convex capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "convex-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_MADGSG1GwcjX2nZFJX7QdDYmcBCtd1WoRLCUHsG9/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Run a Convex action to send a notification to my Slack channel.

  • Use a Convex function to fetch the latest user records from my database.

  • Trigger an external API call to check the weather in San Francisco.

  • Run a Convex action to post a summary of this chat to my webhook.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect Convex once, then ask.

Click the link to authorize the connection. Your credentials stay encrypted on our side, and you can start using the tools immediately.

Connect Convex to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves.

  • 01

    Can the AI change my database schema?

    No. The agent can only run the specific functions and actions you have already defined in your Convex deployment.

  • 02

    Does the AI call APIs automatically?

    No. The agent only triggers an external call when your prompt requires it to run an action.

  • 03

    Can the AI delete my entire database?

    No. The agent is limited to the specific tools provided in the manifest. It cannot perform any operations not explicitly defined there.

  • 04

    Will the AI ask for permission before running an action?

    The agent's behavior depends on how you've configured your client, but it can be set to require your approval for specific tasks.

  • 05

    How does the agent know which Convex tool to use?

    The agent maps your natural language request to the tools listed in the Convex manifest.

  • More questions about Convex? See everything the Convex Connector can do

Connect Convex to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more