Want your AI assistant to actually DO things instead of just explaining how? With n8n MCP, Alice can execute workflows - manage calendars, send emails, update databases, and more - all through natural conversation.

No coding required! This guide uses visual drag-and-drop tools. If you can use Gmail, you can do this.

What is n8n?

Think of n8n as "digital LEGO blocks" for automation. You connect blocks together to create workflows - no coding needed! With [over 500 integrations](https://n8n.io/integrations/), you can connect almost any service you use. When connected to Alice, your assistant can use these workflows to actually do things for you.

Below is an example where Alice uses n8n to manage my calendar. I asked about my day, and the assistant checked my schedule and rescheduled a conflict automatically.

Quick Setup

You'll need Alice and a free n8n account ([app.n8n.io](https://app.n8n.io)).

Fastest way: Use a ready-made template!

1. Browse [n8n workflows](https://n8n.io/workflows/) and find one you like

2. Click "Use this workflow"

3. 3. Follow the setup wizard

4. 4. Connect to Alice (Step 4 below)

Or build it yourself — takes about 10 minutes:

Step 1: Create Your Calendar Assistant

1. Sign up at **app.n8n.io** (it's free)

2. Click **New Workflow**

3. Search and add **"MCP Server Trigger"** (this connects to Alice)

4. Click on it and:

• Choose "Bearer Token" (this is like a password)

• Click "Generate" to create your unique key

• Copy this key - you'll paste it in Alice

5. Change the path to **my-calendar** (easier to remember)

Step 2: Allow n8n to Access Your Calendar

1. In n8n, click Credentials (in the left menu)

2. Click "+ Add Credential" → type "Google Calendar"

3. Click "Connect my account"

4. A Google window opens - just sign in and click "Allow"

5. Give it a friendly name like "My Calendar" → Save

That's it! n8n can now read and manage your calendar.

Step 3: Add Calendar Actions

Now let's add what Alice can do with your calendar:

1. Find the **Google Calendar** block and drag it to your workflow

2. Click on it and choose what it should do:

• **Get Events** - See what's on your calendar

• **Create Event** - Add new appointments

• **Update Event** - Change existing events

• **Delete Event** - Remove events

3. Connect it to the MCP block by dragging from one dot to another

4. Repeat for each action you want (or grab a [ready template](https://n8n.io/workflows/)!)

5. Click the big **"Activate"** button (top right)

Your workflow is now live! 🎉

Step 4: Connect to Alice

1. In Alice, go to **Settings → MCP**

2. Click **Add Server** with type **SSE**

3. Enter:

• URL: Your MCP trigger's Production URL

• Headers: `Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN`

4. Enable and assign to your assistant

How to Use

Once connected, you'll see a small indicator at the bottom of Alice showing your calendar is ready. Just talk naturally!

Pro tip: The clearer you are, the better Alice works. Instead of "check calendar," try "show my meetings for tomorrow" or "am I free Friday afternoon?"

Below Alice checks my calendar and creates a new meeting - all from one simple request!

Popular Use Cases

Wondering what else you can connect? Here are favorites from the community:

Calendar Management

Your personal scheduling assistant:

You: "What's my day look like?"
Alice: "You have 3 meetings: team standup at 9am, lunch with Sarah at noon, and client call at 2pm. You're free after 3:30pm."
You: "Move the client call to 4pm please"
Alice: "Done! Client call moved to 4:00 PM. You now have a free block from 2-4pm."
You: "Clear my Friday afternoon - I need focus time"
Alice: "Cleared! Cancelled 2 meetings and blocked Friday 1-5pm as 'Focus Time'"

Email Assistant

Connect Gmail for inbox management:

• You: "Any important emails today?"

• Alice: "Yes! 3 urgent items: Your boss approved the budget, client wants

• to reschedule, and IT needs your laptop serial number."

Task Automation

Connect Notion or Todoist:

You: "Create tasks from today's meeting notes"
Alice: "Created 5 tasks: Follow up with vendor (due Monday), send proposal
draft (due Wednesday)..."

Your Complete Calendar Assistant

Once set up, your workflow looks like a simple flowchart:

Alice receives your request → Chooses the right action:

• 📅 **Check calendar** → Shows your events

• ➕ **Add event** → Creates new appointments

• ✏️ **Edit event** → Updates existing ones

• 🗑️ **Remove event** → Deletes what you don't need

Everything happens automatically - you just talk to Alice naturally!

Tips for Success

• Start with one action - Just "show calendar" before adding create/edit

• Use natural language - Say "tomorrow at 2pm" not technical formats

• Test in n8n first - Click "Test" to see if it works before connecting to Alice

• Name things clearly - "My Work Calendar" is better than "Calendar1"

If Something Doesn't Work

Alice says "Could not connect"

• Double-check you copied the key without extra spaces

• Make sure you clicked "Activate" in n8n (easy to forget!)

• The URL should end with `/my-calendar` (or your chosen path)

Alice says Calendar actions fail

• - Try reconnecting your Google account in n8n

• - Make sure you clicked "Allow" for all permissions

• - Use simple dates like "tomorrow at 2pm" or "Friday morning"

Alice says: Can't find an event

• - Ask Alice to "show my events this week" first

• - Events change IDs when modified - search again if needed

• - Check you're looking at the right calendar

Still stuck? The n8n community is super helpful at [community.n8n.io](https://community.n8n.io)

What's Next?

1. 1. **Today:** Get your calendar working (you've got this! 💪)

2. 2. **This week:** Add email summaries or task management

3. 3. **Next month:** You'll wonder how you lived without it

   
   

Need inspiration?*

• - Browse the [workflow gallery](https://n8n.io/workflows/) for one-click templates

• - Explore [all integrations](https://n8n.io/integrations/) to see what's possible

• - Join the friendly [n8n community](https://community.n8n.io)

• - Share your success in Alice Discord!

Going deeper?

Check the MCP Trigger documentation for advanced features.