Web Installation

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

Anki Desktop - Your flashcard app Download: apps.ankiweb.net
AnkiConnect Plugin - Lets other apps talk to Anki Download: ankiweb.net/shared/info/2055492159
Node.js - To run the server Download: nodejs.org (version 20 or newer)
ngrok - Creates a secure tunnel to your computer Download: ngrok.com

Installation Steps

Step 1: Start the Server

Option A: Quick Start (No Installation)

Open your terminal and run:

npx anki-mcp-http

Option B: Install Globally (Shorter Command)

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

npm install -g anki-mcp-http

Then you can run it with the shorter command:

ankimcp

Either way, you’ll see:

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

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

Step 2: Create a Tunnel

Open a second terminal window and run:

ngrok http 3000

You’ll see something like:

Forwarding  https://abc123.ngrok.io → http://localhost:3000

Copy the URL (the part that says https://abc123.ngrok.io) - you’ll need it next.

Keep this terminal window open too.

Step 3: Connect Your AI

Now connect your AI assistant to the server.

For Claude.ai:

In Claude’s web interface, go to Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector, then paste your ngrok URL (the https://abc123.ngrok.io from Step 2).

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:

# Use a different port
npx anki-mcp-http --port 8080

# Allow connections from other computers on your network
npx anki-mcp-http --host 0.0.0.0

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

Troubleshooting

AI says it can’t connect:

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 tunnel closes:

ngrok free accounts have time limits
Just restart ngrok and give your AI 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, you can close both terminal windows to stop the server.

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! 📚

Desktop Installation Getting Help