How to Use the Readwise MCP in Claude Code

Q: Can I use Claude Code to search Readwise?

Yes. Run your query and Claude Code uses searchhighlights to find the content. It outputs the result as text in your terminal.

Q: How do I connect Claude Code to Readwise?

Use the command claude mcp add followed by the server URL. It registers the tools so you can call them from your terminal.

Claude Code brings Readwise data into your terminal for headless automation.

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Connect Readwise MCP to Claude Code

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

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Setup Readwise with Claude Code

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Terminal access to Readwise

Run `list_tags` or `list_books_by_category` from your command line. It pipes the output directly to your shell or downstream scripts. This is for when you need to script your knowledge management. Integrate it into your CI/CD pipelines to pull data for automated reports.

Headless highlight management

Use `create_highlight` in your shell scripts to save snippets while you work. It works without a GUI, keeping your focus on the terminal. It returns the status of your actions immediately. You get confirmation that your data is synced without needing a browser.

Data pipelines with MCP Server

Connect this MCP Server to your environment to automate daily reviews. It fetches your queue with `list_reviews` so you can process it via cron jobs. It keeps your terminal environment updated with your reading progress. You just run the command and get the data you need.

Setup guide

Set up Readwise 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 readwise-alternative-mcp with a green status indicator.
3

Start using tools

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

Terminal

claude mcp add --transport http readwise-alternative-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 Readwise 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": {
    "readwise-alternative-mcp": {
      "type": "url",
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

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