> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.serphouse.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.serphouse.com/agent-harnesses/claude-code.md).

# Claude Code

Claude Code is Anthropic's AI-powered coding assistant that runs directly in your terminal. By connecting the SERPHouse MCP Server, Claude Code can access SERPHouse tools natively using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing it to perform live search queries, retrieve SERP data, and analyze search results without requiring manual API requests.

***

### Prerequisites

Before configuring SERPHouse MCP Server, ensure you have:

* Claude Code installed
* An active SERPHouse account
* A valid SERPHouse API key

***

### Configure the SERPHouse MCP Server

Open your terminal and run the following command:

```bash
claude mcp add serphouse \
    --transport http \
    https://mcp.serphouse.com/YOUR_SERPHouse_API_KEY/mcp
```

Replace `YOUR_SERPHouse_API_KEY` with your actual SERPHouse API key.\
Close the current Claude Code session, then start a new session.

***

### Verify Configuration

List configured MCP servers:

```bash
claude mcp list
```

You should see an entry similar to:

```bash
serphouse
```

***

### Using SERPHouse

Once configured, Claude Code automatically invokes SERPHouse whenever a request requires search engine data.

Example prompts:

```
Search Google for "Laravel Horizon".
```

```
Show me the top 10 search results for "AI SEO tools".
```

```
Find related searches for "Laravel queue monitoring".
```

```
Search Google News for "OpenAI".
```

No additional commands are required during normal usage.

***

### Updating Configuration

To update your API key:

```bash
claude mcp remove serphouse
```

Then add the server again using your new API key.

***

### Removing the MCP Server

```bash
claude mcp remove serphouse
```

***

### Troubleshooting

**401 Unauthorized or Authentication failed** — Verify that your SERPHouse API key is valid and active, and that you've replaced `YOUR_SERPHouse_API_KEY` in the endpoint URL with your actual API key. Make sure there are no extra spaces or missing characters in the API key.

**Unable to connect to the MCP server** — Confirm your MCP endpoint is in the format `https://mcp.serphouse.com/YOUR_SERPHouse_API_KEY/mcp` and that your internet connection or firewall is not blocking outbound HTTPS requests.

**SERPHouse doesn't appear in `claude mcp list`** — The MCP server may not have been added successfully. Run the `claude mcp add` command again and verify there are no errors.

**Tools don't appear in `/mcp`** — If `serphouse` is listed in `claude mcp list` but no tools are available, close the current Claude Code session and start a new one.

**Search requests don't return results** — Verify that your SERPHouse account has available API credits and that the requested search feature is included in your plan.

**Connection refused or timeout errors** — Check your network connection and ensure that `https://mcp.serphouse.com/YOUR_SERPHouse_API_KEY/mcp` is reachable from your environment. If you're behind a corporate proxy or firewall, make sure HTTPS traffic to the MCP endpoint is allowed.

**Still having issues?** — Remove the existing MCP server using `claude mcp remove serphouse`, add it again with your API key, and restart Claude Code.

***

> **Note:** These instructions also apply to **Claude CLI**, as it uses the same MCP configuration commands.