What is OpenMemory MCP?
OpenMemory MCP is an open-source, local-first memory server built on top of the Model Context Protocol. It standardizes how AI applications store, access, and manage persistent memory, allowing multiple AI clients to share context and knowledge without repeated explanations. All data remains on your own computer, guaranteeing privacy and data sovereignty.
How to Configure
- Clone or download the OpenMemory repository from GitHub.
- Follow the installation steps in the documentation to set up dependencies and start the OpenMemory MCP Server locally on your machine.
- Configure your AI tools (such as Cursor, Claude Desktop, Windsurf, or Cline) to connect to the MCP endpoint exposed by your OpenMemory server.
- Optionally, access the unified Memory UI dashboard to review and manage your stored memories and control client access.
How to Use
- Store important project details, preferences, or snippets in memory from within any supported AI tool by invoking memory-related actions.
- Retrieve relevant context in other tools automatically or upon request, eliminating the need to restate information.
- Use the Memory UI dashboard to view, add, or delete stored memories at any time, as well as to manage which clients have access to your memory layer.
- Leverage built-in MCP Tools for adding, searching, listing, or deleting memories programmatically via the protocol endpoints.
Key Features
- Private Local Storage: All data is stored exclusively on your device. No cloud sync or external storage ensures maximum privacy and data control.
- Cross-Client Memory Sharing: Seamlessly transfer context and preferences between multiple AI applications via the standardized MCP interface.
- Unified Memory Dashboard: Manage, audit, and curate all your stored information from a central, user-friendly UI.
- Token and Latency Efficient: Minimizes token usage and dramatically reduces latency compared to remote or proprietary memory solutions.
- Open Source and Extensible: Freely usable and customizable for your workflow and easily extended by integrating new MCP tools.
Use Cases
- Consistent Project Handover: Carry project context across research, code editing, and debugging sessions using different AI tools.
- Global User Preferences: Set preferences or style guides in one tool and have them automatically available in others.
- Knowledge Persistence: Save critical project notes or knowledge and retrieve them instantly from any compatible client, preventing repetitive context setup.
- Team Collaboration (Local-first): On shared devices, enable multiple users or agents to access and update context securely.
- Personalized AI Assistance: Equip your agents with a memory that truly reflects your workflow and needs while keeping data private.
FAQ
Q1: Is any of my data sent to the cloud or third parties?
No, all memory is stored and processed locally on your own machine. There is no cloud sync or external storage by default, ensuring your privacy.
Q2: What clients/applications can I use with OpenMemory MCP?
Any AI tool that supports the Model Context Protocol can connect to OpenMemory MCP, including Cursor, Claude Desktop, Windsurf, and Cline.
Q3: What happens if I want to delete all my stored memories?
You can instantly clear all data by invoking the delete_all_memories tool, either from a client or directly from the Memory UI.
Q4: Is OpenMemory MCP open source, and can I contribute?
Yes, OpenMemory is fully open source. Contributions are highly encouraged—just refer to the CONTRIBUTING.md file in the repository.
Q5: How do I control which tools have access to my memory?
You can manage client access permissions from the built-in dashboard, granting or revoking memory access on a per-client basis.