Set up ChatGPT for Kanera
The Kanera plugin bundles the MCP connection and Kanera agent skill. Install it from the ChatGPT Plugins directory, then connect your Kanera account. If the plugin is unavailable, connect the MCP server directly.
Before you begin
You need a Kanera account with access to the boards you want to use. AI agent connections work on every hosted Kanera plan, including Free. Plugin installation and use also depend on your ChatGPT account and workspace policies; ask your workspace administrator if Kanera is unavailable or blocked.
Install and connect Kanera
- Open the Plugins tab in ChatGPT and search for Kanera.
- Open the listing published by Happen Software Limited and select the install button.
- Connect Kanera when prompted, during installation or on first use.
- Sign in to Kanera in the browser, review the requested access, and choose Allow access.
- Start a new conversation. Type
@in the prompt box and select Kanera, or ask ChatGPT to use Kanera.
The plugin includes the skill; you do not need a separate skill installation or API key. OAuth lets ChatGPT act on your behalf while Kanera checks your current role on each board. Review or disconnect the connection from Profile settings -> API keys in Kanera.
If the plugin is unavailable: connect MCP directly
If Kanera is not listed in the plugin directory or you cannot install the published plugin, add its MCP server directly. This also works for self-hosting or testing. Account and workspace policies still apply; if custom MCP servers are blocked, ask your administrator to enable access.
- Open ChatGPT Plugins.
- Select the plus button, then Add custom MCP server.
- Use Kanera as the name and "Search and manage Kanera project work" as the description. Under Connection, enter the hosted MCP address below. For self-hosting, use the MCP address from Profile settings -> API keys in your deployment.
- Choose OAuth, review the connection warning, select I understand and want to continue, then Create as a plugin.
- Complete Kanera's browser sign-in and consent, inspect the discovered tools, then install the resulting plugin and start a new conversation. In the new conversation, select Kanera from the @ menu.
https://mcp.kanera.app/mcp
No API key is needed: complete the OAuth connection even after adding the server URL.
For a custom server, open its connection in Plugins and select Refresh after server changes. The published Kanera plugin receives hosted tool updates through OpenAI's review process. Avoid adding a second hosted connection if the installed Kanera plugin already works.
Try it in a conversation
Use Kanera to summarize the work assigned to me this week.
Use Kanera to find overdue cards on the Product board. Do not update anything.
Draft a comment for the launch checklist card in Kanera. Show it to me before posting.
Read-only requests do not authorize changes. For writes, review the target and input when ChatGPT asks for approval. Comments are published to authorized board users and can trigger notifications and configured webhook deliveries. Workspace-admin automation actions can publish comments or send card and list data to configured external webhook endpoints. Deleting a comment or disabling a rule does not retract deliveries already made.
See practical prompts and workflows for more examples.
Watch work for changes
In a ChatGPT Work conversation with Kanera selected, describe what to watch and how to respond:
Watch the Product board in Kanera. When a new comment appears on any card, summarise it for me and suggest a reply. Do not post replies.
Kanera delivers MCP events for new cards, card changes, moves, comments, and changes to your own Up next queue. A compatible ChatGPT host creates and refreshes the subscription. Ask it to read current state before acting and check whether it caused a change itself, so a task does not react to its own writes. Event-driven tasks depend on your account's Work capabilities.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Kanera is missing or installation is blocked. | Try the direct MCP connection if custom servers are allowed; otherwise check your account and workspace policies with your administrator. |
| Kanera tools are unavailable. | Confirm the plugin is installed, connect your Kanera account, select Kanera in a new conversation, and complete OAuth consent. |
| The connection is invalid or expired. | Reconnect Kanera through its plugin connection and complete browser sign-in again. |
| ChatGPT can read but cannot update work. | Check the client's write approvals and your Kanera board role; Observers cannot write. |
| ChatGPT uses a browser for a supported card read or update. | Select the Kanera plugin in the conversation so its tools and bundled skill are available. |
| ChatGPT does not offer to watch for changes. | Check Work/event support and the connection. For a custom MCP server, select Refresh. See event troubleshooting. |
| New or changed tools do not appear. | Start a new conversation. Refresh a custom MCP connection; published plugin tool changes become available after review checks pass. |
| A self-hosted connection fails. | Use your deployment's exact /mcp address and check OAuth discovery and endpoint reachability. |