How to add an MCP server to Claude Code

Add a local server

Local servers run on your computer, usually through npx (Node.js) or uvx (Python). Everything after -- is the command that starts the server.

claude mcp add playwright -- npx -y @playwright/mcp@latest

Add a remote server

claude mcp add --transport http my-server https://example.com/mcp

Use the server's real URL from its page here.

If the server uses sign-in, Claude Code opens the login the first time you use it. Type /mcp to sign in or check status.

Pass an API key

Use -e for environment variables (local servers) or --header for remote ones:

claude mcp add my-server -e API_KEY=your-key -- npx -y package-name
claude mcp add --transport http my-api https://example.com/mcp --header "Authorization: Bearer your-key"

Choose the scope

• local (default): only you, only this project.
• project: saved in .mcp.json in the repo, so your team gets it too. Never put real keys in this file.
• user: you, in every project.

claude mcp add --scope user playwright -- npx -y @playwright/mcp@latest

Check, update and remove

claude mcp list
claude mcp get playwright
claude mcp remove playwright

Every MCP server page on this site has the exact claude mcp add command, with required settings filled in as placeholders. Browse servers for Claude Code.