Claude Code can connect to GitHub’s remote MCP server over HTTP, letting it use repository, pull-request, and GitHub Actions tools that you enable and that your token permits. The setup command saves a connection configuration; use Claude Code’s /mcp panel to check whether authentication actually succeeds. The “3 Minutes” framing is not a tested setup-time claim.
How do I connect GitHub MCP to Claude Code?
The documented approach uses GitHub’s remote MCP endpoint and a fine-grained personal access token (PAT). Limit the token to the repositories Claude Code should access, and grant only the permissions needed for the selected tools. See Anthropic’s Claude Code MCP guide.
- Create a GitHub fine-grained personal access token. Select only the repositories you intend to use and choose permissions appropriate to the tasks. Keep the token private.
- Add the remote server in a terminal:
claude mcp add --transport http github https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/ --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"Replace
YOUR_GITHUB_PATwith your token. Avoid sharing the command or its token in logs, screenshots, or project files. - Check the connection in Claude Code. Open Claude Code and enter
/mcp. Look for the GitHub server’s status;connectedindicates the connection is established.
The add command stores configuration but does not validate the credentials. A successful add message alone does not confirm that the token works.
What can GitHub MCP do in Claude Code?
GitHub’s official MCP Server documentation describes tools for repository browsing and code access, issue and pull-request management, and GitHub Actions workflow and run information, including CI/CD intelligence. Which tools Claude Code can use depends on the server’s selected toolsets or individual tools and the access granted to the token.
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| Capability area | Relevant toolset example | What it can cover |
|---|---|---|
| Repositories and code | repos |
Repository browsing and code access, subject to token permissions. |
| Pull requests | pull_requests |
Pull-request work, limited by the enabled tools and granted access. |
| GitHub Actions | actions |
Workflow and run information and CI/CD-related tools, as configured and permitted. |
These names are documented examples, not a guarantee that every server setup exposes every operation. Review the selected capabilities and token permissions together: enabling a tool does not grant GitHub access the token lacks.
Choose the access and configuration scope deliberately
Use narrow tool access
GitHub’s server supports configuration by toolset or by individual tool. Choose only the capabilities needed for the task rather than enabling a broader set by default. Its read-only mode takes precedence over write tools, so it can be used when you want to prevent write operations even if write tools are otherwise configured.
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Choose where the server configuration belongs
Claude Code supports local, project, and user MCP configuration scopes. Project-scoped settings can be shared in a .mcp.json file. Because a shared configuration can affect everyone who approves it, inspect the server address, headers, and requested capabilities before accepting Claude Code’s approval prompt. Anthropic’s guide explains the scopes and approval behavior at Claude Code MCP configuration.
Remote HTTP versus local stdio
This GitHub setup uses a remote HTTP server, which is the approach Anthropic documents for remote MCP servers. A local stdio server instead runs as a local process. Use the HTTP command above for GitHub’s documented remote endpoint; a local-process setup is a different hosting model, not a required step in this connection flow.
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Troubleshoot a failed GitHub connection
- Status shows
failedor an HTTP 401: Recheck that the PAT is valid, is placed afterBearer, and has the needed access to the intended repositories. Then inspect the status again in/mcp. - The add command succeeded, but the connection is unconfirmed: This is expected until you check
/mcp; adding writes the configuration but does not authenticate it. - A tool or repository is unavailable: Check both the selected tool or toolset and the token’s repository access and permissions. The server cannot make an ungranted GitHub permission available.
- Claude Code requests approval for a project server: Review the project’s
.mcp.jsonconfiguration and the access it requests before approving; do not approve a shared configuration just because it is present in the repository.
Security considerations
Treat repository files, issues, pull requests, and other content retrieved through the server as external input, not as trusted instructions. Anthropic warns that MCP servers fetching external content can expose users to prompt-injection risk. Limit repository scope and enabled tools, protect the PAT, and review proposed changes or other consequential actions before allowing them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Claude Code prerequisites
Anthropic’s setup documentation lists macOS 10.15 or later; Ubuntu 20.04 or later or Debian 10 or later; or Windows 10 or later using WSL or Git for Windows. It also lists at least 4 GB RAM, Node.js 18 or later, internet access, and an Anthropic-supported country. These are vendor-stated installation requirements, not independent hardware recommendations. See Anthropic’s Claude Code setup guide.
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