UiChemy MCP: Troubleshooting Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Node.js installation is required for Claude Desktop to connect to remote MCP Servers.
  • NVM (Node Version Manager) allows users to manage and switch between Node.js versions easily.
  • Restarting Claude Desktop after installation of Node.js or NVM is necessary for successful MCP server connection.

Table of Contents

Troubleshooting: MCP Server Disconnected

The Problem

After saving your Claude Desktop config file correctly, you may still see one or both of
These errors in the Claude Desktop Developer settings:


This is almost always caused by a missing or outdated Node.js installation on your
machine. Claude Desktop requires NodeJS & NPX to connect to remote MCP Servers.

Root Cause

  • Node.js is not installed
  • Node.js is installed but running an outdated version
  • NVM (Node Version Manager) is not installed

How to Fix It

Step 1 — Install Node.js

Visit the official Node.js website and download the installer for your operating system:
Download Node.js: https://nodejs.org/en/download
Available for: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps. Once complete, restart the Claude Desktop.

If you are still having issues, move on to Step 2.

Step 2 (Optional) — Install NVM (Node Version Manager)

Note: This is only needed if you are still seeing connection errors after completing Step 1 and Step 4.

NVM lets you manage and switch between Node.js versions easily. Even if Node.js is
already installed, NVM ensures you are running the correct version required by the
MCP Server.

For Windows:

  1. Go to the NVM for Windows releases page:
    https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows
  2. Click Download Now, scroll down to Assets, and download nvm-setup.exe
  3. Run nvm-setup.exe and complete the installation.

For macOS / Linux:
Run this command in your terminal:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.4/install.sh | bash

Note: If you see “Profile not found” after running the above command, it means NVM could not automatically configure your shell. Run these two lines manually to load NVM in your current session:

export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"

To make it permanent, run echo $SHELL first to check your shell, then use the matching command:

For zsh (/bin/zsh):

echo 'export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"' >> ~/.zshrc && echo '[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"' >> ~/.zshrc && source ~/.zshrc

For bash (/bin/bash):

echo 'export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"' >> ~/.bashrc && echo '[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"' >> ~/.bashrc && source ~/.bashrc

Step 3 — Install and Use the LTS Version of Node.js

If Node.js is already installed on your system but the MCP servers are still not
connecting, it is likely running an outdated version. Run these two commands in your
terminal to switch to the LTS version:

nvm install 24
nvm use 24

Step 4 — Restart Claude Desktop

Fully quit Claude Desktop — not just close the window, actually quit the application.
Reopen it and wait for it to fully load.
Your MCP servers should now connect successfully.

You will see both listed under Connectors:

  • WordPress MCP (your site)
  • UiChemy API MCP

Quick Summary

StepAction
1Download and install Node.js from nodejs.org/en/download
2 (Optional)Download and install NVM — nvm-setup.exe (Windows) or
via terminal (Mac/Linux)
3 Run: nvm install lts then nvm use lts
4Fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop

About the Author

Related Frequently Asked Questions


Why is my MCP Server disconnected in Claude Desktop?

A disconnected MCP Server in Claude Desktop usually indicates an issue with Node.js. This can happen if Node.js is not installed, if it's outdated, or if NVM (Node Version Manager) isn't set up. Ensure you have the latest version of Node.js installed and consider using NVM to manage your Node.js versions effectively.

How do I install the LTS version of Node.js for UiChemy?

To install the LTS version of Node.js, use NVM by running the commands 'nvm install 24' followed by 'nvm use 24' in your terminal. This ensures you are using a stable version compatible with the MCP Server, which is crucial for proper functionality in UiChemy.

What should I do if I still see connection errors after installing Node.js?

If connection errors persist after installing Node.js, consider installing NVM to manage your Node.js versions. This can help ensure you're running the correct version required by the MCP Server. For Windows, download nvm-setup.exe from the NVM for Windows releases page; for macOS/Linux, use the provided terminal command.

What common mistakes do users make when setting up UiChemy with Claude Desktop?

A common mistake is neglecting to fully quit and restart Claude Desktop after making changes to Node.js or NVM settings. Simply closing the window won't suffice; ensure you completely quit the application and reopen it for changes to take effect and allow proper connection to MCP Servers.

Can I use UiChemy without installing NVM?

While it's possible to use UiChemy without installing NVM, doing so can simplify managing different versions of Node.js. If you're experiencing issues with your current setup, installing NVM may help resolve them by ensuring you're using a compatible version required by the MCP Server.

Last reviewed: May 25, 2026