---
title: "How do I connect an MCP server?"
description: "TL;DR: Open Connectors → Browse registry (or Add custom), pick an MCP server, and authenticate with OAuth or an API key. For custom servers, enter the MCP URL and any required headers. Once connected, steps and agents can call the server's tools."
canonical_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/how-do-i-connect-an-mcp-server-RtBQhNBIoy"
md_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/how-do-i-connect-an-mcp-server-RtBQhNBIoy.md"
---
# How do I connect an MCP server?

**TL;DR:** Open Connectors → Browse registry (or Add custom), pick an MCP server, and authenticate with OAuth or an API key. For custom servers, enter the MCP URL and any required headers. Once connected, steps and agents can call the server's tools.

## Who this is for

Builders connecting external services via MCP to Ballet playbooks.

## How do I connect a featured server?

1. Go to **Connectors** → **Browse registry**.
2. Find your service (e.g. GitHub, Slack, Brainfish, Linear).
3. Click **Connect**.
4. Authenticate — OAuth sign-in or paste an API key in the Authorization header.
5. Confirm the connection shows as active.

## How do I connect a custom MCP server?

1. Go to **Connectors** → **Add connector**.
2. Enter the MCP server URL (HTTP or SSE endpoint).
3. Add required headers (e.g. `Authorization: Bearer <token>`).
4. Save and test the connection.

## What authentication methods are supported?

| Method | Example services |
|---|---|
| **OAuth** | Slack, Linear, Notion, GitHub (via Copilot MCP) |
| **API key** | Brainfish, Stripe, Supabase, Datadog |
| **Custom headers** | Provider-specific (e.g. Plaid client ID + secret) |

## How do playbooks use MCP connectors?

Reference connected MCP tools in Code steps or let Ask Ballet wire them during Build. Playbooks can also attach connectors in their **Connectors** panel for playbook-specific access.

## Related articles

- [What is a connector and how do I browse the registry?](/articles/what-is-a-connector-and-how-do-i-browse-the-registry-6PxIdsLTWe)
- [How do I store credentials with Secrets?](/articles/how-do-i-store-credentials-with-secrets-1D8OUcCo0n)
- [How do I edit steps?](/articles/how-do-i-edit-steps-code-and-http-47pGJ6HgKr)