diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9c64f9c2..93dd6255 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -199,7 +199,11 @@ just package-check-openclaw
 
 The Claude Code plugin is the bridge between Claude's working memory and Basic
 Memory — session-start briefings, pre-compaction checkpoints, an opt-in capture
-output style, and `/basic-memory:setup` · `:remember` · `:share` · `:status`:
+output style, and `/basic-memory:setup` · `:remember` · `:share` · `:status`.
+
+**Connect the Basic Memory MCP server first** — see [Connect your AI
+client](#connect-your-ai-client). The plugin's hooks and skills call it, so it's a
+hard prerequisite. Then add the marketplace and install:
 
 ```bash
 claude plugin marketplace add basicmachines-co/basic-memory \
@@ -277,6 +281,10 @@ Restart Claude Desktop. Notes live in `~/basic-memory` by default.
 claude mcp add basic-memory -- uvx basic-memory mcp
 ```
 
+For the full memory bridge — session briefings, pre-compaction checkpoints, and
+the `/basic-memory:*` commands — also install the [Claude Code
+plugin](#claude-code-plugin) on top of this.
+
 ### Codex CLI
 
 Add to `~/.codex/config.toml`:
diff --git a/plugins/claude-code/skills/setup/SKILL.md b/plugins/claude-code/skills/setup/SKILL.md
index 04dd5528..2d033c14 100644
--- a/plugins/claude-code/skills/setup/SKILL.md
+++ b/plugins/claude-code/skills/setup/SKILL.md
@@ -15,10 +15,18 @@ the interview is done and you've confirmed the plan.
 
 ## Prerequisite check
 
-First confirm Basic Memory is reachable (`list_memory_projects`). If it isn't
-installed/configured as an MCP server, say so and stop — point the user at
-`uv tool install basic-memory` and connecting it to Claude Code. Everything below
-needs it.
+First confirm the **Basic Memory MCP server is connected** — call
+`list_memory_projects`. If that tool isn't available or errors, Basic Memory isn't
+wired into Claude Code yet. **Stop and walk the user through it first** (everything
+below depends on it):
+
+1. Install it: `uv tool install basic-memory` (or `pip install basic-memory`),
+   version `>= 0.19.0`.
+2. Connect it: `claude mcp add basic-memory -- uvx basic-memory mcp`, then restart
+   the session so the MCP server loads.
+
+Re-check `list_memory_projects` before continuing — don't start the interview until
+it succeeds.
 
 ## Interview