Setup guide
How to add an MCP server to Cursor
Cursor reads MCP servers from an mcp.json file, editable from Settings or directly on disk, globally or per project.
Global: ~/.cursor/mcp.json · Per project: .cursor/mcp.json
Steps
- 1
Open MCP settings
In Cursor go to Settings → MCP (or Settings → Features → MCP) and click "Add new global MCP server", which opens ~/.cursor/mcp.json.
- 2
Add the server
Add a named entry under "mcpServers" with the command and args. For project-only access, create .cursor/mcp.json in the repo instead.
- 3
Enable it
Back in the MCP settings panel, toggle the server on. A green dot means it connected.
- 4
Use in Composer
Open Composer (agent mode) and ask for a task the server enables; Cursor calls its tools automatically.
Example
{
"mcpServers": {
"github": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"]
}
}
} FAQ
How do I add an MCP server to Cursor?
Settings → MCP → Add new global MCP server opens ~/.cursor/mcp.json. Add the server under "mcpServers", save, and toggle it on. For one project only, use .cursor/mcp.json in the repo.
Why is my Cursor MCP server showing a red dot?
A red/grey dot means it failed to start — check the command is installed (try running it in a terminal), the JSON is valid, and any required API key env vars are set.
Does Cursor support MCP in agent mode only?
MCP tools are used by Composer/agent mode. Make sure you are in agent mode for the model to call them.
Now pick a server to add
Browse verified MCP servers with copy-paste config for Cursor and other clients.
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