Why go through mcp-remote instead of connecting directly?

Claude Desktop currently only runs local MCP servers, not remote HTTP addresses. mcp-remote is a small bridge that connects a local process to https://volai.cz/mcp - nothing to install by hand, the app runs it itself with npx.

Do I need Node.js installed?

Yes - npx ships with it; without Node.js, mcp-remote won't start.

How do I tell in Claude Desktop that the server loaded?

Open a new chat and check the tools indicator - volai should show up in the list of connected MCP servers, along with its tools. If it's not there, you may have edited the config while the app was running - quit it fully and reopen it.

I saved the config and nothing changed - why?

Claude Desktop only loads its config on startup - after editing claude_desktop_config.json, restart the app.

MCP server

volai in Claude Desktop: phone calls via mcp-remote

Claude Desktop gets phone calls and SMS through MCP - a small bridge, mcp-remote, handles the connection, and the app runs it for you.

1Get an API key

Sign up for volai and verify your email (the signup credit needs it first). Then, in the portal under API and MCP, create a new key - it starts with vk_ and works for the REST API too.

2Open the app's config

In Claude Desktop, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config - this opens claude_desktop_config.json.

3Paste the mcp-remote config

The app runs a local bridge, mcp-remote, that connects to https://volai.cz/mcp and sends your key in the header:

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "volai": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://volai.cz/mcp",
        "--header",
        "Authorization: Bearer vk_YOUR_KEY"
      ]
    }
  }
}

4Restart Claude Desktop

The config only loads on startup - after saving the file, quit the app fully and reopen it.

5Check the connection

Open a new chat and check the tools indicator - volai should show up in the list of connected MCP servers with its tools.

Or add volai to your editor in one click

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Claude Code

bash

claude mcp add --transport http volai https://volai.cz/mcp \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer vk_YOUR_KEY"

After installing, replace vk_YOUR_KEY with your key from the API and MCP section of the portal.

What you can do with it

Hear a trial call right in the chat window

make_call with systemPrompt starts a trial call from volai's shared demo number right from the chat window - the transcript and summary appear right where you're typing, no terminal, no portal. Only with a verified email, and no more than three a day per account.

Send a text without touching your phone

Ask the app to send a text with the send_sms tool, and see right away whether it went out.

Manage phone numbers in plain language

list_numbers, buy_number, and set_number_routing become an ordinary conversation - no portal, and no terminal command required.

Frequently asked questions

Why go through mcp-remote instead of connecting directly?: Claude Desktop currently only runs local MCP servers, not remote HTTP addresses. mcp-remote is a small bridge that connects a local process to https://volai.cz/mcp - nothing to install by hand, the app runs it itself with npx.
Do I need Node.js installed?: Yes - npx ships with it; without Node.js, mcp-remote won't start.
How do I tell in Claude Desktop that the server loaded?: Open a new chat and check the tools indicator - volai should show up in the list of connected MCP servers, along with its tools. If it's not there, you may have edited the config while the app was running - quit it fully and reopen it.
I saved the config and nothing changed - why?: Claude Desktop only loads its config on startup - after editing claude_desktop_config.json, restart the app.

Try it now

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