# Connecting apps

Canonical URL: https://docs.perisclaw.com/connecting-apps

Perisclaw can do more than WhatsApp and Google. Through **connectors**, you
plug in the other tools you already use, then work them by asking in chat.
Instead of hopping between apps, your assistant becomes the hub.

**Note: Connectors use MCP**

  MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard for letting assistants talk
  to other apps. You do not need to know the details. Connect an app once and
  start using it.

## Two ways to connect

* **From the catalog:** browse the ready-to-connect apps on the **Apps** page
  in your dashboard and add one with a couple of taps.
* **Bring your own:** connect any app that offers an MCP endpoint by adding
  its address and signing in. Useful for internal tools or anything not yet in
  the catalog.

The catalog currently includes **Microsoft 365** (Outlook mail and calendar,
OneDrive, contacts), **Slack**, **Notion**, **Dropbox**, **Todoist**,
**Asana**, **HubSpot**, **Stripe**, **PayPal**, **Calendly**, **Granola**,
**Fireflies**, and **Canva**. It grows over time. The Apps page always shows
what is available right now.

## How connecting works

Connecting always happens on the dashboard, never in chat. That keeps your
passwords and keys out of your WhatsApp history.

### 1. Ask in WhatsApp

Tell your assistant what you want to connect: *“connect my Notion.”*{' '}
It replies with a secure link to the dashboard. You can also go straight
to the **Apps** page.

**Done when:**
You have a dashboard link for that service.

### 2. Authorize on the dashboard

Open the link. Either sign in to the app through its normal “allow access”
screen, or paste the app’s address and access token. Perisclaw stores the
credential securely.

**Done when:**
The service shows as connected on the Apps page.

### 3. Start using it in chat

Your assistant confirms the connection and lists what it can now do. From
then on, just ask.

**Done when:**
A request that uses the app returns a real result.

## What you can do once connected

Anything the app exposes becomes available in plain language:

* *“Find the Notion doc about the Q3 budget.”*
* *“What did I miss in the #launch Slack channel today?”*
* *“Summarize my unread Outlook mail.”*
* *“Add ‘renew the domain’ to my Todoist for Friday.”*

You can also weave connected apps into [Missions](/missions) and
[Automations](/automations): *“open a ticket in our CRM, wait for it to be
assigned, then tell the team”* or *“update this Sheet every morning.”*

## Manage your connections

Ask *“what apps do I have connected?”* or check the **Apps** page. To remove
one, say *“disconnect Notion”* (it confirms first) or remove it from the
dashboard. Disconnecting immediately stops all future access to that service.

**Success: Your credentials never travel through WhatsApp**

  Credentials are entered on the dashboard and stored encrypted. When a
  connected app is about to take a real action on your behalf (not just read
  something), your assistant confirms with you first.

Perisclaw also screens the addresses you connect to and limits how many apps
and tools can be added, to keep your private server safe. For how access and
approvals work in general, see
[Permissions & access](/permissions-and-access).

Want to go the other way and use your WhatsApp *from* ChatGPT, Codex, Claude,
or Cursor? See [the Perisclaw plugin and MCP server](/mcp-server).

### [Start with Drive & Sheets](/drive-and-sheets)

File documents and log data straight from your chats.

### [Control what apps can do](/permissions-and-access)

Review and revoke access for every connected service.

### [Go the other way](/mcp-server)

Use your WhatsApp from ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, and other AI tools.