How to Use the PurpleAir MCP in Claude

Q: How do I see PurpleAir data in Claude Desktop?

Add the server configuration to your claudedesktopconfig.json file. Once you restart the app, the tools appear in your chat interface for immediate use.

Get live air quality readings directly in your Claude Desktop chat using the PurpleAir MCP server.

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Works with every AI agent you already use

…and any MCP-compatible client

MCP Servers — Included with Plan

Connect PurpleAir MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect PurpleAir to Claude Desktop — we handle the hosting, security, and runtime updates so you don't have to. No server setup required.

GDPR Included with Plan

Setup PurpleAir with Claude Desktop

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Claude

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Gemini

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Monitor environment with Claude Desktop

Pull real-time particulate data into your conversation to make informed decisions about your workspace or outdoor plans. Use `get_sensors_near_me` to find the closest monitor and `get_sensor_data` to see precise PM2.5 levels. This setup connects your agent to the global network of 50k+ sensors. You stop guessing about local conditions and start basing your choices on raw, current numbers from the PurpleAir API.

Analyze historical trends in Claude Desktop

Look back at air quality fluctuations over time to spot patterns in your neighborhood. The `get_sensor_history` tool lets you extract time-series data for any specific sensor index. Claude Desktop formats these findings so you can compare pollution events across different days. It’s useful for tracking how weather or local traffic impacts the air you breathe.

Map local pollution with Claude Desktop

Define a custom area of interest using `get_sensors_by_bounding_box` to see a snapshot of air quality across your city. You specify the coordinates, and the tool returns all active sensors in that sector. This gives you a clear view of micro-climates without manually checking individual sites. It is the fastest way to get a regional report while you work in your desktop environment.

Setup guide

Set up PurpleAir 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 PurpleAir 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 PurpleAir 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 purpleair-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "purpleair-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 PurpleAir. 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.

Connect PurpleAir now

Real-time monitoring

Live

visibility into every interaction

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

Built-in savings

60%

lower AI costs

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

Single dashboard

One

place for every integration

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

Common questions about PurpleAir MCP in Claude Desktop

Add the server configuration to your `claude_desktop_config.json` file. Once you restart the app, the tools appear in your chat interface for immediate use.

Yes. You can use the history tools to pull specific time-series data. It provides the raw numbers you need to plot your own trends.

The server only sends the coordinates you explicitly provide to the tools. No personal location data is tracked or stored by the integration.

They are. The tools fetch the latest data from the network the moment you trigger them.

Data is transmitted directly from the API to your local machine. Your API key stays in your local config, and the connection uses standard encrypted transport.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

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