# Connect the MCP server

> Point Claude Desktop or Cursor at npx -y @emailpal/mcp with an API key. Read-only mode hides every mutating tool.

Source: https://emailpal.io/help/connect-the-mcp-server

## Config

Create a key first. On **API keys** the dashboard copies a ready JSON block for Cursor (`.cursor/mcp.json`) or Claude Desktop (`claude_desktop_config.json`). The shape is:

- Command: `npx`
- Args: `-y` and `@emailpal/mcp`
- `EMAILPAL_API_KEY`: your `ep_live_…` secret
- Optional `EMAILPAL_MCP_READ_ONLY`: `true` hides every mutating tool

Remove the read-only flag when the agent should be allowed to provision, claim pre-warmed inventory, or send.

## FAQs

### How many tools are there?

The marketing site lists 31 covering domains, pre-warmed inboxes, mailboxes, warming, inbox, compliance and jobs. Read-only mode drops the writers from the list entirely.

### Does MCP bypass billing?

No. A claim or domain purchase through MCP charges the same as the dashboard.

## Need More Help?

[MCP server and REST API](/help/mcp-server-and-rest-api). The dashboard copy widget is the source of truth if this snippet ages.