How to Query Live BigQuery Data in Perplexity MacOS Desktop

Yazhini G
Technical Marketing Engineer

Connect to and query live BigQuery Data in Perplexity Desktop using the CData MCP Server.

Perplexity is an AI-powered research and answer engine that allows users to combine web search, structured data, and connected tools through a unified conversational interface. With Perplexity Desktop for macOS, users can bring local tools and data sources directly into their workflow using MCP, enabling fast, context-aware insights powered by live data.

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an emerging, open-source standard for connecting LLMs with external services and enterprise data sources. Using MCP Servers, AI clients such as Perplexity Desktop can securely interact with applications and data, performing actions, retrieving live information, and enabling natural language access to data.

In this article, we guide you through installing the CData MCP Server for Google BigQuery, configuring the connection to BigQuery, and interacting with your live BigQuery data from Perplexity Desktop.

About BigQuery Data Integration

CData simplifies access and integration of live Google BigQuery data. Our customers leverage CData connectivity to:

Simplify access to BigQuery with broad out-of-the-box support for authentication schemes, including OAuth, OAuth JWT, and GCP Instance.
Enhance data workflows with Bi-directional data access between BigQuery and other applications.
Perform key BigQuery actions like starting, retrieving, and canceling jobs; deleting tables; or insert job loads through SQL stored procedures.

Most CData customers are using Google BigQuery as their data warehouse and so use CData solutions to migrate business data from separate sources into BigQuery for comprehensive analytics. Other customers use our connectivity to analyze and report on their Google BigQuery data, with many customers using both solutions.

For more details on how CData enhances your Google BigQuery experience, check out our blog post: https://www.cdata.com/blog/what-is-bigquery

Getting Started

Step 1: Download and install the CData MCP Server for Google BigQuery

To begin, download the CData MCP Server for Google BigQuery
Find and double-click the installer to begin the installation
Drag the CData MCP Server app into the Applications folder

When the installation is complete, you are ready to configure your MCP Server by connecting to BigQuery.

NOTE: Since you downloaded the application from the internet and not the Apple App Store, you may see a warning that the application was not opened because Apple could not verify its security. You may continue with the installation.

Installing a trusted, unverified App

CData's solutions are trusted across the globe by some of the largest software vendors in the world. That said, if you have any concerns about continuing, please consult with your IT and/or security team.

In the warning message that pops up, click "Done"
Open "System Settings" on your machine and navigate to the "Privacy & Security" page

Scroll down to the "Security" section and click "Open Anyway"
Authorize the installation (passkey or password)

Step 2: Configure the Connection to BigQuery

After installation, you can open the CData MCP Server for Google BigQuery from the Applications folder on your mac
Click the dropdown menu in MCP Configuration > Configuration Name and select "new configuration"
Name the configuration (e.g. "cdata_googlebigquery") and click "OK"
Enter the appropriate connection properties in the configuration wizard.

Google uses the OAuth authentication standard. To access Google APIs on behalf of individual users, you can use the embedded credentials or you can register your own OAuth app.

OAuth also enables you to use a service account to connect on behalf of users in a Google Apps domain. To authenticate with a service account, register an application to obtain the OAuth JWT values.

In addition to the OAuth values, specify the DatasetId and ProjectId. See the "Getting Started" chapter of the help documentation for a guide to using OAuth.
Click "Connect" to authenticate with BigQuery through OAuth.
Click "Save Configuration" to save the MCP server

With your MCP Server configured, you are ready to connect it to Perplexity Desktop.

Step 3: Connect the MCP Server to Perplexity Desktop

Download the Perplexity Desktop application for macOS and sign in with your Pro or Premium account
Open Settings > Connectors. If the Perplexity Helper App is not installed, you will be prompted to download it. Install the Helper App, then restart Perplexity Desktop
After restarting, return to Settings > Connectors and click Add Connector

Select the Simple tab and assign a name for the connector (e.g., "CData BigQuery MCP"). In the Command box, enter the absolute path to your MCP Server executable.

For example:

	/Applications/CData MCP Server for Google BigQuery.app/Contents/Payload/jre/Contents/Home/bin/java \
	-jar /Applications/CData MCP Server for Google BigQuery.app/Contents/Payload/lib/cdata.mcp.googlebigquery.jar \
	cdata_googlebigquery

Click Save. Your MCP Server should now appear in the connector list with a "Running" status

Step 4: Query Your Live BigQuery data in Perplexity Desktop

Open a new chat in Perplexity Desktop. Click the Sources toggle and enable your MCP Server
Start asking questions about your BigQuery data. For example:
"List all the tables available in my BigQuery data connection."

Connect your AI to your BigQuery data today!

CData MCP Servers make it simple to connect Perplexity and other LLM clients to real-time enterprise data. Download a free, 30-day trial and join the CData Community to share insights, ask questions, and help shape the future of enterprise-ready AI.