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Web Installation

Connect ChatGPT & Claude.ai to Anki - Web Mode Setup

This guide is for web-based AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Gemini, or any AI that works in a browser. If you use Claude Desktop, see the Desktop Installation Guide instead.

How It Works

You’ll run a small server on your computer. Your AI assistant connects to it over the internet. Think of it like opening a door for your AI to talk to Anki.

Your Computer                    The Internet               AI Assistant
┌──────────────┐                                           ┌────────────┐
│ Anki Desktop │ ←→ ankimcp server ←→ ngrok tunnel ←→      │ ChatGPT    │
└──────────────┘                                           │ Claude.ai  │
                                                           └────────────┘

What You Need

  1. Anki Desktop - Your flashcard app Download: apps.ankiweb.net

  2. AnkiConnect Plugin - Lets other apps talk to Anki Download: ankiweb.net/shared/info/2055492159

  3. Node.js - To run the server Download: nodejs.org (version 20 or newer)

  4. ngrok (for tunneling) - Creates a secure tunnel to your computer

Installation Steps

Method 1: One Command (Recommended - v0.8.0+)

New in v0.8.0: Start the server with integrated ngrok tunneling using just one command!

Option A: Quick Start (No Installation)

Open your terminal and run:

npx @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server --ngrok

Option B: Install Globally (Shorter Command)

If you plan to use this often, install it once:

npm install -g @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server

Then you can run it with the shorter command:

@ankimcp/anki-mcp-server --ngrok

Either way, you’ll see:

╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║              AnkiMCP HTTP Server v0.8.0                        ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

🚀 Server running on: http://127.0.0.1:3000
🔌 AnkiConnect URL:   http://localhost:8765
🌐 Ngrok tunnel:      https://abc123.ngrok-free.app

Share this URL with your AI assistant:
  https://abc123.ngrok-free.app

Copy the ngrok URL (the https://abc123.ngrok-free.app part) - you’ll need it in the next step.

Leave this terminal window open - the server needs to stay running.

Benefits:

  • ✅ One command instead of two
  • ✅ Automatic cleanup when you press Ctrl+C
  • ✅ URL displayed clearly in the banner
  • ✅ Works with custom ports: @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server --port 8080 --ngrok

Method 2: Manual Setup (Alternative)

If you prefer to manage ngrok separately, you can still use the manual method:

Step 1: Start the server in one terminal:

npx @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server

You’ll see:

🚀 Server running on: http://127.0.0.1:3000
🔌 AnkiConnect URL: http://localhost:8765

Step 2: Open a second terminal and start ngrok:

ngrok http 3000

You’ll see:

Forwarding  https://abc123.ngrok-free.app → http://localhost:3000

Copy the URL (the https://abc123.ngrok-free.app part).

Keep both terminal windows open.

Connect Your AI

Now connect your AI assistant to the server using the ngrok URL you copied.

For Claude.ai:

In Claude’s web interface, go to Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector, then paste your ngrok URL.

Full tutorial: Getting Started with Custom Connectors

For ChatGPT and other AI assistants:

Check your AI provider’s documentation to see if they support custom MCP servers or external tool integration, and follow their connection instructions.

Try It Out

Once connected, ask your AI:

“Show me my Anki decks”

If it works, you’ll see your decks! 🎉

What Your AI Can Do

Once connected, your AI can:

  • Show your decks and their stats
  • Review cards with you
  • Create new flashcards
  • Search your cards
  • Update existing cards
  • Help explain concepts

Server Options

You can customize the server:

# Start with ngrok tunnel (v0.8.0+)
npx @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server --ngrok

# Use a different port
npx @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server --port 8080

# Different port + ngrok
npx @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server --port 8080 --ngrok

# Allow connections from other computers on your network
npx @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server --host 0.0.0.0

# Connect to AnkiConnect on another computer
npx @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server --anki-connect http://192.168.1.100:8765

# Combine all options
npx @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server --port 8080 --anki-connect http://localhost:8765 --ngrok

Troubleshooting

AI says it can’t connect:

  • If using --ngrok: Make sure the terminal window is still open
  • If using manual method: Make sure both terminal windows are still open (server + ngrok)
  • Check that Anki Desktop is running
  • Try the ngrok URL in your browser - you should see a response

Server won’t start:

  • Make sure Node.js is installed: node --version
  • Should show v20 or higher

ngrok fails with –ngrok flag:

  • Make sure ngrok is installed: npm install -g ngrok
  • Make sure you’ve configured your auth token: ngrok config add-authtoken <your-token>
  • Get your token from dashboard.ngrok.com
  • If ngrok fails, the server will still start in local mode (you can use manual method)

ngrok tunnel closes:

  • ngrok free accounts have time limits
  • Just restart the server (with --ngrok) or ngrok manually
  • Your AI will need the new URL

Still not working? See Getting Help for support options.

Security Note

The ngrok URL is public (anyone with the link can access it). Only share it with trusted AI assistants. When you’re done studying:

  • With --ngrok: Press Ctrl+C to stop both the server and tunnel
  • With manual method: Close both terminal windows to stop the server and tunnel

Next Steps

  • Try asking your AI to review a deck with you
  • Have it create flashcards from articles or notes
  • Ask it to explain difficult concepts on your cards

Happy studying! 📚

MCP Clients