Claude Code ships with a built-in web_search MCP tool that is conservative by design: Google only, low rate limits, US region. Most agent workflows in 2026 need Reddit, YouTube, and retail. This tutorial disables the built-in and registers Scavio MCP as the replacement with broader coverage.
Prerequisites
- Claude Code latest
- A Scavio API key
- Node.js 20+
Walkthrough
Step 1: Disable the built-in web_search
Edit the Claude Code settings to opt out of the bundled tool.
JSON
// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
"disabledTools": ["web_search"]
}Step 2: Install the Scavio MCP
Single npm install covers 10+ platforms.
Bash
npm install -g @scavio/mcpStep 3: Register the MCP
Add Scavio to your .mcp.json.
JSON
{
"mcpServers": {
"scavio": {
"command": "scavio-mcp",
"env": { "SCAVIO_API_KEY": "sk_live_..." }
}
}
}Step 4: Verify the swap
In Claude Code, /mcp list should show Scavio tools and no built-in web_search.
Bash
/mcp listStep 5: Use broader platforms
Claude now has Reddit, YouTube, Amazon, Walmart access via one MCP.
Bash
> Use scavio to find top Reddit threads on MCP tool governance this month.Python Example
Python
import os, requests
API_KEY = os.environ['SCAVIO_API_KEY']
def scavio(query, platform=None):
body = {'query': query}
if platform: body['platform'] = platform
r = requests.post('https://api.scavio.dev/api/v1/search',
headers={'x-api-key': API_KEY}, json=body)
return r.json()
print(scavio('mcp tool governance 2026', platform='reddit'))JavaScript Example
JavaScript
const API_KEY = process.env.SCAVIO_API_KEY;
export async function scavio(query, platform) {
const body = platform ? { query, platform } : { query };
const r = await fetch('https://api.scavio.dev/api/v1/search', {
method: 'POST',
headers: { 'x-api-key': API_KEY, 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
body: JSON.stringify(body)
});
return r.json();
}Expected Output
JSON
Claude Code no longer shows web_search. Scavio MCP exposes search, reddit_search, youtube_search, amazon_search, walmart_search tools. Rate limits follow your Scavio plan, not Anthropic defaults.