Claude Code Troubleshooting: Skills, MCP and CLAUDE.md
Most Claude Code configuration failures fall into three buckets: Claude cannot discover the configuration, the configuration is structurally wrong, or the expected capability is not trusted or available in the current scope.
Quick answer
First verify the file or server is in the correct scope, then confirm the current Claude Code version supports the feature, and finally inspect the relevant status command or configuration file before changing prompts.
Skill not triggering
Check that SKILL.md is in a discovered .claude/skills/<skill-name>/ directory and that the description clearly matches the task. If the skill is manual-only, invoke it directly with its slash command.
MCP server not connecting
Run claude mcp list or inspect /mcp in Claude Code. Verify transport, URL or command, authentication, workspace trust and project-server approval.
CLAUDE.md instructions not applying
Confirm the file is in a location Claude Code loads for the current working directory and keep instructions specific. Use /memory to inspect loaded memory files when debugging project instructions.
Official Claude documentation
Claude Code changes quickly. Use Anthropic’s documentation as the source of truth for current configuration fields and behavior.
Open Anthropic docs →Related Claude tools and guides
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Claude Skill not triggering?
Common causes include an unclear description, the skill living outside a discovered skills directory, or manual-only invocation settings.
How do I check MCP status?
Use claude mcp list from the CLI or /mcp inside Claude Code.
How can I see which CLAUDE.md files are loaded?
Claude Code provides /memory to inspect and edit loaded memory files.