Adding & Configuring Servers - Cline
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This guide covers finding MCP servers, adding them to Cline, and configuring their settings.

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Finding MCP Servers

Several places to find MCP servers:

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Adding Servers with Cline

The easiest way to add an MCP server is to have Cline build it for you:
  1. Provide Cline with the GitHub repository URL
  2. Optionally include the README contents for context
  3. Cline clones the repo, builds it, and adds the configuration
Example conversation: 
User: "Add the MCP server from https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main/src/brave-search"

Cline: "Cloning the repository. It needs to be built. Should I run 'npm run build'?"

User: "Yes"

Cline: "Build complete. This server needs an API key. Where should I find it?"

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Managing Servers

Access server settings through the MCP Servers icon in Cline’s top navigation bar.

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Enable/Disable

Toggle the switch next to any server to enable or disable it.

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Restart

Click “Restart Server” if a server becomes unresponsive.

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Delete

Click the trash icon or “Delete Server” button. No confirmation dialog.

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Network Timeout

Set how long to wait for responses (30 seconds to 1 hour, default 1 minute).

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Editing Configuration Files

Settings are stored in cline_mcp_settings.json:
  1. Click MCP Servers icon
  2. Select “Configure” tab
  3. Click “Configure MCP Servers”

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STDIO Transport (Local Servers)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "local-server": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/server.js"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      },
      "alwaysAllow": ["tool1", "tool2"],
      "disabled": false
    }
  }
}

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SSE Transport (Remote Servers)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "remote-server": {
      "url": "https://your-server-url.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer your-token"
      },
      "alwaysAllow": ["tool3"],
      "disabled": false
    }
  }
}

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Global MCP Mode

Control how MCP servers affect token usage:
  1. Click MCP Servers icon
  2. Select “Configure” tab
  3. Click “Advanced MCP Settings”
  4. Find Cline>Mcp:Mode and select your preference
MCP settings

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Using MCP Tools

After configuring a server, Cline automatically detects available tools:
  1. Type your request in chat
  2. Cline identifies when an MCP tool can help
  3. Approve the tool use (or use auto-approval)

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Troubleshooting