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Tana MCP Not Working With Claude

Workaround available Mac, Windows, Linux Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

The local MCP server only runs while Tana Outliner Desktop is open and 'Local API/MCP server (Alpha)' is enabled in Tana Labs. Check http://localhost:8262/health, then complete the OAuth approval in Tana Desktop.

Most likely fix: Enable the local server.

Symptoms

Claude or another AI client can't connect to Tana, the tana-local server shows as failed, or tools don't appear.

Why it happens

  • Desktop app not running
  • Local API/MCP server toggle not enabled
  • OAuth approval not completed
  • Cloud-hosted client can't reach a local server

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Enable the local server

    1. Open Tana Outliner Desktop
    2. Settings > Tana Labs > enable 'Local API/MCP server (Alpha)'
    3. Keep the desktop app running

  2. 2. Test the endpoint

    1. Open http://localhost:8262/health in a browser
    2. If it fails, restart the desktop app

  3. 3. Add and authenticate in Claude Code

    1. Run: claude mcp add --transport http tana-local http://localhost:8262/mcp
    2. Run /mcp, select the tana server and complete OAuth
    3. Approve the modal that appears in Tana Desktop

  4. 4. Use the remote MCP for cloud clients

    1. In your AI client go to Settings > Custom MCP servers > Add server
    2. Use Tana's hosted remote MCP instead of the local one

This guide also covers

  • tana mcp not working
  • tana mcp claude
  • tana local api
  • tana mcp server

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