The Unkey Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers provide direct integration between AI tools and Unkey's APIs. This allows you to interact with your Unkey workspace directly, enabling AI-powered key operations, rate limiting configuration, and analytics queries.
What is MCP?#
Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that allows AI applications to securely access external data and services. Unkey's MCP servers give Claude Desktop direct access to your Unkey APIs, enabling intelligent assistance with API keys and rate limiting.
Available MCP Servers#
Unkey provides three MCP servers:
Prerequisites#
- Unkey account created
- Unkey root key with appropriate permissions
- Node.js installed (for npx command)
Installation#
Below is an example of using Unkey MCP with Claude but it can also be used with other AI applications.
Unkey API MCP#
The main Unkey MCP server provides access to the complete Unkey API:
- Open Claude Desktop Configuration
Navigate to your Claude Desktop configuration file:
- macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json - Windows:
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
- macOS:
- Add the MCP Server Configuration
Add the following configuration to your
claude_desktop_config.json: - Set Environment Variable
Set your Unkey root key as an environment variable:
- Restart Claude Desktop Close and restart Claude Desktop to load the MCP server.
Unkey Ratelimiting MCP#
For specialized rate limiting operations, use the dedicated ratelimiting MCP server:
- Add Ratelimiting MCP Configuration
Add this configuration to your
claude_desktop_config.json: - Use Both Servers
You can configure both MCP servers simultaneously:
Unkey Compute MCP#
For specialized operations for deploying, securing and scaling your applications use the dedicated compute MCP server:
You can find all the install instructions here https://mcp.unkey.com/mcp/compute
- Add Unkey Compute MCP Configuration
Add this configuration to your
claude_desktop_config.json:
Getting Your Root Key#
To use the MCP servers, you need an Unkey root key with appropriate permissions:
Navigate to Root Keys
Go to Settings > Root Keys in your Unkey dashboard.
Create New Root Key
Click "Create New Root Key" and select the permissions for all the compute related items.
Copy and Secure Your Key
Copy your root key and store it securely. You'll use this as your environment variable.
Using MCP with Claude Desktop#
Once configured, you can interact with your Unkey workspace directly through Claude Desktop:
Working with API keys#
Ask Claude to help with API key operations:
Ratelimiting Configuration#
Configure rate limits through natural language:
Analytics and Monitoring#
Query your API usage data:
Troubleshooting#
Get help with common issues:
Available Commands#
API Key Operations#
- Create API Key: Generate new API keys with custom settings
- List API Keys: View all API keys in your workspace
- Update API Key: Modify existing API key properties
- Delete API Key: Remove API keys from your workspace
- Verify API Key: Check if an API key is valid and active
Rate Limiting Operations#
- Configure Rate Limits: Set up rate limiting rules
- Check Rate Limit Status: Monitor current rate limit usage
- Update Rate Limits: Modify existing rate limit configurations
- Delete Rate Limits: Remove rate limiting rules
Analytics and Monitoring#
- Usage Analytics: Query API usage statistics
- Error Analysis: Investigate API errors and issues
- Performance Metrics: Monitor API performance data
- Usage Reports: Generate custom usage reports
Example Conversations#
Creating an API Key#
You: "Create a new API key for my development environment with a rate limit of 500 requests per hour and set it to expire in 30 days."
Claude: "I'll create a new API key for your development environment with the specified settings. Let me use the Unkey MCP to create this key with a 500 requests/hour rate limit and 30-day expiration."
Analyzing API Usage#
You: "What are my top 3 API keys by usage this month?"
Claude: "Let me query your Unkey analytics to find your top 3 API keys by usage this month. I'll pull the usage data and provide you with detailed statistics."
Debugging Issues#
You: "I'm getting rate limit errors but I thought my limit was higher. Can you check my current rate limit configuration?"
Claude: "I'll check your current rate limit configuration using the Unkey MCP. Let me examine your rate limiting settings and current usage to help diagnose the issue."
Security Best Practices#
Environment Variables#
- Store your root key in environment variables, never in configuration files
- Use different root keys for different environments (development, staging, production)
- Regularly rotate your root keys
Permissions#
- Grant only the minimum required permissions to your root keys
- Use separate root keys for different operations when possible
- Monitor root key usage through audit logs
Access Control#
- Limit access to your Claude Desktop configuration
- Use secure storage for your root keys
- Implement proper backup and recovery procedures
Troubleshooting#
Common Issues#
- MCP Server Not Loading
- Check that Node.js is installed and accessible
- Verify your configuration file syntax
- Ensure environment variables are set correctly
- Authentication Errors
- Verify your root key is correct and has proper permissions
- Check that the environment variable is set
- Confirm your root key hasn't expired
- Connection Issues
- Ensure you have internet connectivity
- Check if your firewall is blocking connections
- Verify the MCP server URLs are correct
Getting Help#
If you encounter issues:
- Check the Claude Desktop logs for error messages
- Verify your configuration matches the examples exactly
- Test your root key directly with the Unkey API
- Join the Unkey Discord for community support
Advanced Configuration#
Custom Environment Variables#
You can use custom environment variable names:
Multiple Workspaces#
Configure multiple Unkey workspaces: