# How to connect GitHub MCP to Claude

```json
{
  "title": "How to connect GitHub MCP to Claude",
  "toolkit": "GitHub MCP",
  "toolkit_slug": "github_mcp",
  "framework": "Claude Cowork",
  "framework_slug": "claude-cowork",
  "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/github_mcp/framework/claude-cowork",
  "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/github_mcp/framework/claude-cowork.md",
  "updated_at": "2026-09-24T15:41:48.338Z"
}
```

## Introduction

Claude is Anthropic's AI assistant, available on the web, in the desktop app, and on mobile. Cowork is its agent for knowledge work, and it runs on all of those surfaces too. Connected to your apps, Claude can work with your files and services to accomplish complex tasks on your behalf.
This guide walks you through the easiest and most secure way to connect your GitHub account to Claude via Composio Connect, enabling it to list all open issues assigned to me, create pull request from your branch, merge pull request after CI passes, and more such actions on your behalf without compromising your account security.
Setup is the same on Claude Web, Desktop, and Cowork, and you only need to do it once. The connector is tied to your account, so it's available in all three.

## Also integrate GitHub MCP with

- [ChatGPT](https://composio.dev/toolkits/github_mcp/framework/chatgpt)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/github_mcp/framework/hermes-agent)
- [Atomic Agent](https://composio.dev/toolkits/github_mcp/framework/atomic-agent)

## Connect GitHub MCP to Claude Cowork

### Connecting GitHub to Claude Web, Desktop, and Cowork
Two ways to add the Composio connector. Pick whichever you prefer.
### 1. Add with one click
Click the button. Claude opens with the Composio connector filled in. Click Add, then go to step 2.
[Add to Claude](https://claude.ai/customize/connectors?modal=add-custom-connector&connectorName=Composio&connectorUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fconnect.composio.dev%2Fmcp)
### Add manually
In Claude Desktop, click Customize in the left sidebar, then select Connectors and click the + icon at the top.
Click Add custom connector and paste in the Composio MCP server URL:

```bash
https://connect.composio.dev/mcp
```

## What is the GitHub MCP server, and what's possible with it?

The GitHub MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your GitHub account. It provides structured and secure access so your agent can perform GitHub operations on your behalf.

## Supported Tools

| Tool slug | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| `GITHUB_MCP_ADD_COMMENT_TO_PENDING_REVIEW` | Add comment to pending review | Add review comment to the requester's latest pending pull request review. A pending review needs to already exist to call this (check with the user if not sure). |
| `GITHUB_MCP_ADD_ISSUE_COMMENT` | Add issue comment | Add a comment and/or reaction to a specific issue or issue comment in a GitHub repository. Use this tool with pull requests as well (in this case pass pull request number as issue_number), but only if user is not asking specifically to add or react to review comments. At least one of body or reaction is required. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_ADD_REPLY_TO_PULL_REQUEST_COMMENT` | Add reply to pull request comment | Add a reply and/or reaction to an existing pull request comment. This can create a new comment linked as a reply to the specified comment, add an emoji reaction to the specified comment, or do both. At least one of body or reaction is required. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_CREATE_BRANCH` | Create branch | Create a new branch in a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_CREATE_OR_UPDATE_FILE` | Create or update file | Create or update a single file in a GitHub repository. If updating, you should provide the SHA of the file you want to update. Use this tool to create or update a file in a GitHub repository remotely; do not use it for local file operations. In order to obtain the SHA of original file version before updating, use the following git command: git rev-parse : SHA MUST be provided for existing file updates. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_CREATE_PULL_REQUEST` | Create pull request | Create a new pull request in a GitHub repository. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_CREATE_REPOSITORY` | Create repository | Create a new GitHub repository in your account or specified organization |
| `GITHUB_MCP_DELETE_FILE` | Delete file | Delete a file from a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_FORK_REPOSITORY` | Fork repository | Fork a GitHub repository to your account or specified organization |
| `GITHUB_MCP_GET_COMMIT` | Get commit | Get details for a commit from a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_GET_FILE_CONTENTS` | Get file contents | Get the contents of a file or directory from a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_GET_LABEL` | Get label | Get a specific label from a repository. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_GET_LATEST_RELEASE` | Get latest release | Get the latest release in a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_GET_ME` | Get me | Get details of the authenticated GitHub user. Use this when a request is about the user's own profile for GitHub. Or when information is missing to build other tool calls. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_GET_RELEASE_BY_TAG` | Get release by tag | Get a specific release by its tag name in a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_GET_TAG` | Get tag | Get details about a specific git tag in a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_GET_TEAM_MEMBERS` | Get team members | Get member usernames of a specific team in an organization. Limited to organizations accessible with current credentials |
| `GITHUB_MCP_GET_TEAMS` | Get teams | Get details of the teams the user is a member of. Limited to organizations accessible with current credentials |
| `GITHUB_MCP_ISSUE_READ` | Issue read | Get information about a specific issue in a GitHub repository. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_ISSUE_WRITE` | Issue write | Create a new or update an existing issue in a GitHub repository. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_LIST_BRANCHES` | List branches | List branches in a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_LIST_COMMITS` | List commits | Get list of commits of a branch in a GitHub repository. Returns at least 30 results per page by default, but can return more if specified using the perPage parameter (up to 100). |
| `GITHUB_MCP_LIST_ISSUE_FIELDS` | List issue fields | List issue fields for a repository or organization. Returns field definitions including name, type (text, number, date, single_select), and for single_select fields the list of valid option names. When repo is omitted, returns org-level fields directly. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_LIST_ISSUES` | List issues | List issues in a GitHub repository. For pagination, use the 'endCursor' from the previous response's 'pageInfo' in the 'after' parameter. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_LIST_ISSUE_TYPES` | List issue types | List supported issue types for a repository or its owner organization. When repo is omitted, returns org-level issue types directly. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_LIST_PULL_REQUESTS` | List pull requests | List pull requests in a GitHub repository. If the user specifies an author, then DO NOT use this tool and use the search_pull_requests tool instead. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_LIST_RELEASES` | List releases | List releases in a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_LIST_REPOSITORY_COLLABORATORS` | List repository collaborators | List collaborators of a GitHub repository. Results are paginated; the response includes `nextPage`, `prevPage`, `firstPage`, and `lastPage` fields. To get the next page, use the `nextPage` value as the `page` parameter. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_LIST_TAGS` | List tags | List git tags in a GitHub repository |
| `GITHUB_MCP_MERGE_PULL_REQUEST` | Merge pull request | Merge a pull request in a GitHub repository. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_PULL_REQUEST_READ` | Pull request read | Get information on a specific pull request in GitHub repository. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_PULL_REQUEST_REVIEW_WRITE` | Pull request review write | Create and/or submit, delete review of a pull request. Available methods: - create: Create a new review of a pull request. If "event" parameter is provided, the review is submitted. If "event" is omitted, a pending review is created. - submit_pending: Submit an existing pending review of a pull request. This requires that a pending review exists for the current user on the specified pull request. The "body" and "event" parameters are used when submitting the review. - delete_pending: Delete an existing pending review of a pull request. This requires that a pending review exists for the current user on the specified pull request. - resolve_thread: Resolve a review thread. Requires only "threadId" parameter with the thread's node ID (e.g., PRRT_kwDOxxx). The owner, repo, and pullNumber parameters are not used for this method. Resolving an already-resolved thread is a no-op. - unresolve_thread: Unresolve a previously resolved review thread. Requires only "threadId" parameter. The owner, repo, and pullNumber parameters are not used for this method. Unresolving an already-unresolved thread is a no-op. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_PUSH_FILES` | Push files | Push multiple files to a GitHub repository in a single commit |
| `GITHUB_MCP_REQUEST_COPILOT_REVIEW` | Request copilot review | Request a GitHub Copilot code review for a pull request. Use this for automated feedback on pull requests, usually before requesting a human reviewer. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_RUN_SECRET_SCANNING` | Run secret scanning | Scan files, content, or recent changes for secrets such as API keys, passwords, tokens, and credentials. This tool is intended for targeted scans of specific files, snippets, or diffs provided directly as content. The files parameter accepts either a single string or an array of strings containing raw file contents or diff hunks, and returns detected secrets with their locations and related secret scanning metadata. Content must not be empty. For full repository scanning, other mechanisms are available. Caveats: - Only files within the codebase should be scanned. Files outside of the codebase should not be sent. - Files listed in .gitignore should be skipped. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_SEARCH_CODE` | Search code | Fast and precise code search across ALL GitHub repositories using GitHub's native search engine. Best for finding exact symbols, functions, classes, or specific code patterns. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_SEARCH_COMMITS` | Search commits | Search for commits across GitHub repositories using GitHub's commit search syntax. Useful for finding specific changes, authors, or messages across one or many repositories. Searches the default branch only. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_SEARCH_ISSUES` | Search issues | Search issues using natural-language semantic matching. Best for conceptual or paraphrased queries (e.g. "login fails after password reset"). Already scoped to is:issue. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_SEARCH_PULL_REQUESTS` | Search pull requests | Search for pull requests in GitHub repositories using issues search syntax already scoped to is:pr |
| `GITHUB_MCP_SEARCH_REPOSITORIES` | Search repositories | Find GitHub repositories by name, description, readme, topics, or other metadata. Perfect for discovering projects, finding examples, or locating specific repositories across GitHub. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_SEARCH_USERS` | Search users | Find GitHub users by username, real name, or other profile information. Useful for locating developers, contributors, or team members. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_SUB_ISSUE_WRITE` | Sub issue write | Add a sub-issue to a parent issue in a GitHub repository. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_UPDATE_PULL_REQUEST` | Update pull request | Update an existing pull request in a GitHub repository. |
| `GITHUB_MCP_UPDATE_PULL_REQUEST_BRANCH` | Update pull request branch | Update the branch of a pull request with the latest changes from the base branch. |

## Supported Triggers

None listed.

## Troubleshooting

### 1. Why does Claude not use the Composio connector for GitHub?

The connector can show as connected, but Claude must use it in each GitHub conversation.
- Click + at the lower left of the chat, or type /.
- Hover Connectors.
- Turn on Composio.
- Ask Claude to connect to GitHub again.

### 2. Why does Claude show an MCP server error before GitHub connects?

Claude can show Couldn't reach the MCP server or Authorization with the MCP server failed when you add the connector for GitHub.
- Check that the connector URL is https://connect.composio.dev/mcp.
- Connectors run from Anthropic's cloud, so your device network is usually not the problem.
- Add the connector again from Customize > Connectors, then ask Claude to connect GitHub.
- If it fails again, send the error and the ofid_ reference id to support@composio.dev.

### 3. Why does the GitHub authorization link not work?

The Composio connector is one server. Your GitHub account connects separately when Claude asks for it.
- If the browser does not open, or the link expires, ask Claude to retry the GitHub connection.
- Composio creates a fresh GitHub authorization link.
- Open that link in your browser and finish the GitHub sign-in.

### 4. Why do GitHub actions fail after they worked before?

The GitHub connection can expire or lose permission.
- Ask Claude to inspect the GitHub connection.
- If the connection is unhealthy, disconnect it when Claude prompts you.
- Reconnect the GitHub account and retry the action.
- If Claude shows a permission prompt, approve it before Claude changes data in GitHub.
- If the action still fails with a permission error, check that the connected account has that permission in GitHub itself.

### 5. How do I switch to a different GitHub account?

Claude can manage the GitHub connection for you.
- Ask Claude to disconnect or delete the current GitHub account.
- Ask Claude to connect GitHub again.
- Open the new Composio authorization link for GitHub.
- Sign in with the other GitHub account in the browser.
- After the account connects, ask Claude to retry the GitHub task.

### 6. Why is my GitHub connection missing in Claude Desktop or on a Team plan?

The connector belongs to your Claude account, so your GitHub connection works in Claude Web, Desktop, and Cowork.
- In Claude Desktop, open Customize > Connectors.
- Next to Composio, click ⋮ and click Clear cache.
- If GitHub tools still do not appear, click ⋮, disconnect, remove the connector, and add it again.
- On Team or Enterprise, an Owner or Primary Owner must enable the connector before you can connect GitHub.

## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK

The GitHub MCP server connects Claude Web, Desktop, and Cowork to your GitHub account through Composio. Once connected, Claude can use the available GitHub tools and triggers to complete tasks on your behalf.

## Complete Code

None listed.

## How to build GitHub MCP Agent with another framework

- [ChatGPT](https://composio.dev/toolkits/github_mcp/framework/chatgpt)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/github_mcp/framework/hermes-agent)
- [Atomic Agent](https://composio.dev/toolkits/github_mcp/framework/atomic-agent)

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and GitHub MCP?

With a standalone GitHub MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of GitHub tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from GitHub and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint.

### Can I use Tool Router MCP with Claude Cowork?

Yes, you can. Claude Cowork fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right GitHub tools.

### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for GitHub while using Tool Router?

Yes, absolutely. You can configure which GitHub scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do.

### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router?

All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your GitHub data and credentials are handled as safely as possible.

---
[See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)