Basics & Setup
What is an MCP?
MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. It is a standard that allows AI agents like Rebel to talk to your external systems and tools. Think of an MCP as a connector or a bridge: it gives Rebel the ability to read your emails, check your calendar, access database records, or control other software on your behalf,.
How do I connect Rebel to my tools?
You can add most integrations directly through the Rebel interface. Go to Settings → Connectors, click the + button, and browse the catalogue of available services (such as Slack, Gmail, or Notion). Click + Add on the service you want and follow the authentication steps in your browser,.
Do I need to do anything special to use a connected tool?
Once a tool is connected, you generally just need to ask Rebel naturally. For example, you can say “Check my Gmail for unread messages” or “Summarise my calendar for this week”,. However, ensure you are in On the Case mode rather than “Quick Question” mode, as Rebel needs agentic capabilities to access external tools.
Privacy & Types of Connectors
What is the difference between “Built-in” and “Klavis” connectors?
Rebel offers different ways to connect to services, which affects where your data goes:
- Built-in Local Connectors: These run directly on your device. Your access tokens are stored locally, and data stays on your machine. Rebel offers built-in local connectors for major services like Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Calendar), Slack, and Microsoft 365,.
- Klavis Gateway: This is a unified gateway that connects to over 70 services (like Linear, HubSpot, and Jira) through a single interface. Klavis handles the authentication for you,.
Is it safe to connect my private data?
Rebel is designed with safety layers. By default, the system uses a Balanced safety level, meaning it will ask for your approval before performing potentially risky actions. For extra control, you can enable Privacy Mode (the lock icon), which forces Rebel to ask for permission before every tool use or file change,.
Does Rebel store my data from these tools?
Rebel itself does not store your content or conversations on a backend server; it routes your instructions to the configured services,. However, if you use the Klavis gateway for integrations, note that Klavis operates on a “store everything by default” model for API requests and responses to facilitate the service, though they explicitly state that Google Workspace data is not used for AI model training,. For the highest privacy with services like Gmail or Slack, we recommend using the Built-in Local Connectors where available.
Troubleshooting
Why isn’t Rebel using a tool I connected?
First, check that you are in On the Case mode. Second, ensure the connector is enabled in Settings → Connectors. If you have both a built-in connector and a Klavis connector for the same service (like Notion), you may need to specify which one to use, though Rebel generally selects the best option automatically,.
I’m getting an authentication error. What should I do?
If you receive an authentication error, the AI will usually provide a link to fix it. You can also go to Settings → Connectors, find the service, and try to disconnect and reconnect it to refresh your credentials,.
Analogy:
Think of Rebel as a skilled contractor you have hired to work in your office.
- MCPs are the ID badges or keys you give them.
- A Built-in Connector is like giving them a key to a specific filing cabinet in your room—they open it directly, and nothing leaves the room.
- Klavis is like a concierge service; you give the concierge your pass, and they run around the building fetching documents from various departments (Linear, HubSpot) to bring back to the contractor.
- Safety Settings are the rules of engagement: do you trust them to open any door (Permissive), or must they knock and ask permission every time (Privacy Mode)?