Every client uses the same address, https://mcp.mcpifex.com/mcp. Only the way it receives your API key differs. MCP is how an AI app talks to your tools, and MCPifex hosts the servers so there is nothing to install.

What do I need before I connect?

Create an instance in the portal, choose its tools and generate its API key. Keys start with mcpx_. The instance decides which tools are allowed, so Claude, ChatGPT and Cursor all see the same list when they use the same key. Free includes 3 instances and needs no card.

Where does the API key go?

There are two ways to send the key, and the client decides which one you use.

  • Header key. Apps that can send custom headers, such as Claude Code and Cursor, send the key as Authorization: Bearer <your key>. The URL stays plain. Claude.ai can too if your organization has Request headers (beta); otherwise put the key in the URL.
  • URL-path key. ChatGPT's custom MCP form has no header field, so the key goes in the URL. Claude.ai can also use this form. You add the key to the end of the URL, as https://mcp.mcpifex.com/mcp/<your key>, and choose no sign-in.

The gateway accepts either form. Treat a URL that contains your key like a password and do not share it.

How do I connect Claude.ai?

Open Customize, then Connectors, and choose Add custom connector (on Team and Enterprise plans an Owner adds it under Organization settings, then Connectors). Choose No sign-in. Paste the URL with your key at the end and save. If your organization has Request headers (beta), you can instead paste the plain URL and add Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_MCPX_KEY> there. Claude then lists the tools you allowed. Steps: Connect Claude, or the deeper custom connectors guide.

How do I connect ChatGPT?

In ChatGPT open Plugins, select the plus button, then Add custom MCP server. Name it, set the connection to https://mcp.mcpifex.com/mcp/<YOUR_KEY> with authentication set to none (the key is in the URL), accept the risk warning and create it. Developer mode (Settings, Security and login) may need to be on, and menu names change. Older accounts may show Settings, Connectors, Advanced, Add connector instead. OpenAI's help article lists Business, Enterprise and Edu workspaces on the web; some guides also report Plus and Pro. Check Settings in your own account. To use it in a chat, type @ in the prompt box and select the app. Steps: Connect ChatGPT, or the ChatGPT MCP guide.

How do I connect Claude Code?

Run one claude mcp add command with the plain URL and your key in a Bearer header, then check it with claude mcp list. Steps: Connect Claude, or the Claude Code guide.

How do I connect Cursor?

Add one entry to the mcpServers object in .cursor/mcp.json with the URL and the Bearer header. Cursor picks it up for that project, or for all projects if you use the file in your home folder. Steps: Connect Cursor, or the Cursor guide.

What about any other MCP client?

Any client that supports remote MCP over HTTP can use the same URL. If it sends headers, use the Bearer header. If not, use the URL-path key. The main setup pages for each client:

Common questions

Do I need to install anything to connect my AI to MCPifex?

No. MCPifex runs the MCP servers for you. You paste one URL into your AI app, or add one command or JSON entry in Claude Code and Cursor.

Does every client see the same tools?

Yes. Tool access belongs to the instance and its API key, so every client that uses the key sees the same enabled tools. Write tools start off until you turn them on.

Which client should I start with?

Use the one you already open every day. Claude.ai and ChatGPT need no terminal. Claude Code and Cursor suit developers who prefer a command or a config file.

New to MCP? Start with the quickstart, or read how the gateway decides what a client can call. Start free and connect your first client in a few minutes.

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