How do I add an MCP server to ChatGPT?

1. Open Settings, then Connectors 2. Choose Create and paste the server endpoint URL 3. Complete the authentication flow if the server uses OAuth

Where is the ChatGPT MCP configuration stored?

There is no file to edit. Servers are added through the interface, and any API key is stored in the platform's own credential store.

Can ChatGPT run a local MCP server?

No. ChatGPT cannot start a local process, so it only works with servers that publish an HTTP or SSE endpoint.

Which parts of the protocol does ChatGPT not support?

It does not implement resources, prompts, sampling or elicitation. A server whose value is mostly in those features will feel incomplete here.

Does ChatGPT need restarting after adding a server?

No, it picks up the change without a restart.

When was this setup information last checked?

These details were verified on 2026-07-15. Clients change their configuration format from time to time, so check the official documentation if something does not work.

ChatGPT

OpenAI's assistant. Remote MCP servers are added as connectors in developer mode.

Web app verified 2026-07-15

How to add a server to ChatGPT

Runs in the cloud, so local stdio servers cannot be reached. Only hosted endpoints work.

Open Settings, then Connectors
Choose Create and paste the server endpoint URL
Complete the authentication flow if the server uses OAuth

Where the configuration lives

Configured in the interface, not in a file.

Local server configuration

Not supported by this client.

Hosted server configuration

Not supported by this client.

Placeholders such as {{name}}, {{command}}, {{args}} and {{url}} are filled from each server's package or endpoint data.

Protocol support

Support is uneven across clients. A server that only exposes prompts is of no use in a client that does not implement them.

Transports
Transport	Supported
stdio	No
Streamable HTTP	Yes
SSE	Yes

Features
Feature	Supported
Tools	Yes
Resources	No
Prompts	No
Sampling	No
Roots	No
Elicitation	No
OAuth	Yes

Official ChatGPT MCP documentation

Frequently asked questions

How do I add an MCP server to ChatGPT?: 1. Open Settings, then Connectors 2. Choose Create and paste the server endpoint URL 3. Complete the authentication flow if the server uses OAuth
Where is the ChatGPT MCP configuration stored?: There is no file to edit. Servers are added through the interface, and any API key is stored in the platform's own credential store.
Can ChatGPT run a local MCP server?: No. ChatGPT cannot start a local process, so it only works with servers that publish an HTTP or SSE endpoint.
Which parts of the protocol does ChatGPT not support?: It does not implement resources, prompts, sampling or elicitation. A server whose value is mostly in those features will feel incomplete here.
Does ChatGPT need restarting after adding a server?: No, it picks up the change without a restart.
Is there anything specific to watch out for with ChatGPT?: Runs in the cloud, so local stdio servers cannot be reached. Only hosted endpoints work.
When was this setup information last checked?: These details were verified on 2026-07-15. Clients change their configuration format from time to time, so check the official documentation if something does not work.

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