How do I install the google photos mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID`, `GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET`, `GOOGLE_REDIRECT_URI` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

SSyncDev

Start a project

Google Photos MCP Server

MCP server for Google Photos integration with Claude

Local serverstdioTypeScript

What is the Google Photos MCP Server?

MCP server for Google Photos integration with Claude

What you get

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for Google Photos integration, enabling Claude, Gemini, and other AI assistants to read, write, and pick photos from your Google Photos library.

Configuration and credentials

Node.js 22.22+ - Google Cloud project with Photos Library API enabled - OAuth 2.0 credentials (Web application type)

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

Recorded tools

Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.

Tool	What it does
search_photos	Text-based photo search
search_photos_by_location	Search by location name
search_media_by_filter	Filter by dates, categories, media type, favorites, archived
get_photo	Get photo details (optional base64)
list_albums	List all albums
get_album	Get album details
list_album_photos	List photos in an album
list_media_items	List app-created media items (use Picker API for full library)
describe_filter_capabilities	JSON reference of all filter options
create_album	Create a new album
upload_media	Upload a local file
add_media_to_album	Add existing items to an album (max 50)
create_album_with_media	Create album + upload files in one call (max 50)
add_album_enrichment	Add text or location enrichment
set_album_cover	Set album cover photo
create_picker_session	Start a Picker session for full library access
poll_picker_session	Check session status and retrieve selected photos
download_picker_media	Download media bytes via OAuth (original images via =d, transcoded MP4 for videos via =dv)
delete_picker_session	Delete and clean up a Picker session after all media items and bytes are downloaded
auth_status	Check authentication status
start_auth	Start OAuth flow via temporary local server

How to install the Google Photos MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-photos": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/google-photos-mcp/dist/index.js",
        "--stdio"
      ],
      "env": {
        "GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID": "your_client_id",
        "GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET": "YOUR_GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET",
        "GOOGLE_REDIRECT_URI": "http://localhost:3000/auth/callback"
      }
    }
  }
}

From the project documentation. Replace placeholders and example paths before connecting.

Configuration

Node.js 22.22+ - Google Cloud project with Photos Library API enabled - OAuth 2.0 credentials (Web application type)

Variable	Description	Required
GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID	Declared in the maintainer’s client configuration.	Check documentation
GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET	Declared in the maintainer’s client configuration.	Check documentation
GOOGLE_REDIRECT_URI	Declared in the maintainer’s client configuration.	Check documentation

Example prompts to try

“Use Google Photos MCP to Capability.”
“Use Google Photos MCP to create picker session.”
“Use Google Photos MCP to poll picker session.”

Frequently asked questions

MCP server for Google Photos integration with Claude Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.