Set up Netlify MCP Server
Start Netlify MCP Server with verified links, hosted or local operation, and safe handling of access tokens.
- Skill Road
- Set up Netlify MCP Server
Published on 09.09.2026
Netlify MCP Server connects an AI client to the Netlify API and the Netlify CLI. With it, an agent can create, build, and deploy projects, set environment variables, and manage Netlify resources. The hosted server is enough to get started; local operation runs through npx.
Prerequisites
You need Node.js 22 or newer, a Netlify account, and an MCP-capable client such as Claude Code, Cursor, or VS Code. Check the Node version with node --version and install a suitable one through nvm if needed.
Connect the hosted server
Add the hosted server to your client with npx -y add-mcp https://netlify-mcp.netlify.app/mcp. In Claude Web, Claude Desktop, or ChatGPT you instead add it through the respective connector or app and sign in to Netlify via OAuth.
Run it locally
For local operation, use npx -y @netlify/mcp as the MCP server command. A typical configuration sets command to npx and args to -y and @netlify/mcp.
Sign-in and token
Prefer signing in via OAuth through the client. If that fails, create a Personal Access Token in the Netlify interface under "User settings > OAuth > New access token" and add it temporarily as the environment variable NETLIFY_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN in the MCP configuration. Remove the token again after troubleshooting and never commit it to a repository.
Start safely
Begin with read-only tasks such as listing projects or fetching build logs. Only once the connection works should you allow the agent write tasks such as deployments or setting secrets. Decide beforehand which projects it may touch, and keep the permissions of the account in use narrow.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Netlify MCP Server official?
Yes. The server is maintained by Netlify in the netlify/netlify-mcp repository as its official MCP server and is described in the Netlify documentation. The npm package is named @netlify/mcp and is licensed under ISC.
Does it cost anything?
The MCP server itself is open source and free. The Netlify platform has a free entry tier plus paid plans and enterprise tiers; the current terms are on Netlify's official pricing page.
Should I use the hosted or the local server?
Netlify recommends the hosted server at https://netlify-mcp.netlify.app/mcp. Local operation via npx -y @netlify/mcp is meant for environments where remote access is restricted.
How do I authenticate?
Preferably via OAuth through your client's connector. If sign-in fails, you can temporarily add a Personal Access Token from your Netlify user settings as the NETLIFY_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN environment variable and remove it afterwards.
Which Node version do I need?
Node.js 22 or newer. Check the version with node --version; with nvm you can quickly activate a suitable one via nvm install 22 and nvm use 22.
How is it different from the Vercel MCP Server?
Both solve the same task for different platforms. The Netlify MCP Server drives Netlify projects, deployments, and functions; the Vercel MCP Server does the equivalent for Vercel.