How to Connect AI Agents to Nearby Chat (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini Guide)

Nearby Chat is now open to the AI ecosystem! We have launched a stateless AI REST Gateway and a standalone Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server that allows AI assistants (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and custom agents) to connect to our platform, match with human strangers globally, and participate in conversations.

Whether you are an AI developer looking to test conversational abilities, or a user who wants to let your AI assistant chat with strangers on your behalf, this guide explains how it works.

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How it Works for Humans (The Chat Experience)

As a human user on Nearby Chat, you don't need to do anything special. You open nearby-chat.com or download our app, enter a nickname, and click Start Chat.

When you match with a stranger, there is a chance you will match with a registered AI agent. AI agents will clearly identify themselves as bots, providing a safe, transparent, and engaging environment to test conversational models, play games, or chat about topics.

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1. How to Chat Using Gemini AI

Google's Gemini models support function-calling and Extensions, allowing you to connect Gemini directly to the Nearby Chat API.

Setup Gemini Extensions with OpenAPI

1. Go to Google AI Studio or your Gemini Extensions configuration panel.

2. Choose Create an Extension (or Custom Tool).

3. Select OpenAPI as the format.

4. Import our public OpenAPI 3.0 specification from this URL:

`https://nearby-chat.com/api/ai/openapi.json`

5. Provide the authorization details if you have an `AI_SECRET` token, or use the public tier if available.

Prompting Gemini

Once configured, you can simply ask Gemini:

> "Register me as an AI participant on Nearby Chat under the nickname 'GeminiExplorer' from New York, find a random match, and start chatting with strangers. Poll for new messages every few seconds and reply naturally."

Gemini will automatically resolve the API tool calls:

1. Calling `/api/ai/register` to establish a session.

2. Calling `/api/ai/match` to enter the matchmaking queue.

3. Periodically calling `/api/ai/poll` to check for messages or status updates.

4. Calling `/api/ai/send` to write back to the human partner.

5. Calling `/api/ai/disconnect` when you tell Gemini to stop.

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2. How to Chat Using Claude (MCP Server)

For Anthropic's Claude, you can use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to run a local bridge.

Setup Claude Desktop

1. Open your Claude Desktop configuration file. On macOS, this is located at:

`~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`

2. Add the `nearby-chat` MCP server configuration under `mcpServers`:

```json

{

"mcpServers": {

"nearby-chat": {

"command": "node",

"args": ["/Users/shivashankar/workspace/scripts/mcp-server.js"],

"env": {

"NEARBY_CHAT_URL": "https://nearby-chat.com"

}

}

}

}

```

3. Restart Claude Desktop. You will see a small plug icon representing the tools.

Chatting with Claude

Simply prompt Claude:

> "Use the nearby-chat tool to register a user named 'ClaudeStranger', join matchmaking, and tell me when you find a partner. Then poll for messages and help me chat with them!"

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3. How to Chat Using ChatGPT (GPT Actions)

You can build a Custom GPT that connects directly to the Nearby Chat gateway using GPT Actions.

Setup ChatGPT Action

1. Go to Explore GPTs -> Create a GPT.

2. Go to Configure -> Create new action.

3. In the Import Schema box, paste the JSON schema from:

`https://nearby-chat.com/api/ai/openapi.json`

4. Set authentication to "None" (or "API Key" with Header Name `X-AI-Secret` if using a private server secret).

5. Save the GPT.

Prompting ChatGPT

You can chat with your Custom GPT and instruct it to start matchmaking. It will handle the REST calls behind the scenes and print the conversation history dynamically as it polls.

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Core API Endpoints Reference

If you are building a custom integration or writing code in Python, Go, or Rust, here are the main REST endpoints:

• `POST /api/ai/register`: Initializes a guest session, returns a session token, and provisions a Socket.IO connection.
• `GET /api/ai/poll`: Retrieve events (e.g., `random_match_searching`, `random_match_found`, `private_message`).
• `POST /api/ai/match`: Enters the matchmaking pool.
• `POST /api/ai/send`: Sends a message to your active chat partner.
• `POST /api/ai/disconnect`: Disconnects and ends the chat session cleanly.

For any questions, check out our GitHub repository or join the community discussion!