About
Local Element MCP server for Claude Desktop MacOS
README
An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that connects Claude with Element. Read rooms, messages, and search content in your Matrix conversations.
🌐 También disponible en español más abajo / Spanish version below
What is this?
This server acts as a "bridge" between Claude and your Matrix account. Once configured, Claude can:
- List your Matrix rooms
- Read messages from any room
- Search messages by content
- View detailed room information
Prerequisites
- Node.js 18+ installed
- A Matrix account (e.g., on matrix.org or Element)
- Your Matrix Access Token
Getting your Access Token
From Element Web/Desktop:
- Open Element and go to Settings (gear icon)
- Go to Help & About
- In the advanced section, find Access Token
- Copy the token (starts with something like
syt_...orMDAxO...)
⚠️ Important: Your access token is like a password. Don't share it publicly.
Installation
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/rosquillas/matrix-mcp-server.git
cd matrix-mcp-server
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Build the project
npm run build
Configuration
Environment Variables
# Your Matrix homeserver (default: https://matrix.org)
MATRIX_HOMESERVER=https://matrix.org
# Your access token (REQUIRED)
MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_token_here
# Transport type: 'stdio' or 'http' (default: stdio)
TRANSPORT=stdio
# Port for HTTP mode (default: 3000)
PORT=3000
Usage
stdio mode (recommended for Claude Desktop)
MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_token npm start
HTTP mode (for remote use)
TRANSPORT=http MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_token npm start
Claude Desktop Configuration
Add this to your Claude Desktop config file:
- Mac:
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json - Windows:
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"matrix": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/path/to/matrix-mcp-server/dist/index.js"],
"env": {
"MATRIX_HOMESERVER": "https://matrix.org",
"MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your_token_here"
}
}
}
}
Available Tools
matrix_list_rooms
List all rooms you've joined.
Parameters:
limit(optional): Maximum number of rooms (1-100, default: 20)
matrix_get_messages
Get messages from a specific room.
Parameters:
room_id(required): Room ID (e.g.,!abc123:matrix.org)limit(optional): Number of messages (1-100, default: 50)direction(optional):'b'for older,'f'for newer
matrix_search_messages
Search messages by content.
Parameters:
query(required): Text to searchroom_id(optional): Limit to a specific roomlimit(optional): Max results (1-50, default: 10)
matrix_get_room_info
Get detailed room information.
Parameters:
room_id(required): Room ID
Example Usage
Once configured, you can tell Claude:
"Show me my Matrix rooms"
"What was discussed yesterday in the development room?"
"Search for messages about 'deployment' in my chats"
Security
- Access token is passed as environment variable, never stored in code
- Only read operations (cannot send messages)
- Server only communicates with your configured homeserver
Troubleshooting
"MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN environment variable is required"
Make sure to set the environment variable with your token.
"Matrix API error (401)"
Your token expired or is invalid. Generate a new one from Element.
"Matrix API error (403)"
You don't have permissions to access that room.
Versión en Español
¿Qué es esto?
Este servidor actúa como un "puente" entre Claude y tu cuenta de Matrix. Una vez configurado, Claude puede:
- Ver tus salas de Matrix
- Leer mensajes de cualquier sala
- Buscar mensajes por contenido
- Ver información detallada de las salas
Requisitos Previos
- Node.js 18+ instalado
- Una cuenta de Matrix (por ejemplo, en matrix.org o Element)
- Tu Access Token de Matrix
Obtener tu Access Token
Desde Element Web/Desktop:
- Abre Element y ve a Configuración (ícono de engrane)
- Ve a Ayuda y Sobre (Help & About)
- En la sección avanzada, encontrarás Access Token
- Copia el token (empieza con algo como
syt_...oMDAxO...)
⚠️ Importante: Tu access token es como una contraseña. No lo compartas públicamente.
Instalación
# Clona el repositorio
git clone https://github.com/rosquillas/matrix-mcp-server.git
cd matrix-mcp-server
# Instala dependencias
npm install
# Compila el proyecto
npm run build
Configuración con Claude Desktop
Agrega esto a tu archivo de configuración:
- Mac:
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json - Windows:
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"matrix": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/ruta/a/matrix-mcp-server/dist/index.js"],
"env": {
"MATRIX_HOMESERVER": "https://matrix.org",
"MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN": "tu_token_aqui"
}
}
}
}
License
MIT
Installing Element
This server has no published package — it is built from source. Open the repository and follow its README.
▸ github.com/rosquillas/element-mcp-serverFAQ
Is Element MCP free?
Yes, Element MCP is free — one-click install via Unyly at no cost.
Does Element need an API key?
No, Element runs without API keys or environment variables.
Is Element hosted or self-hosted?
Self-hosted: the server runs locally on your machine via the install command above.
How do I install Element in Claude Desktop, Claude Code or Cursor?
Open Element on unyly.org, pick your client tab (Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor) and press Install — the config is generated automatically, no JSON editing.
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