Install MCP servers in Cursor.
Cursor has a built-in MCP server panel. You paste a JSON config, toggle it on, and Cursor connects automatically. This guide walks through each step.
1. Open MCP settings
In Cursor, open Settings → MCP. You will see a list of any servers already configured.
2. Add a server
Click Add Server and paste the Cursor config from the server page. The format is the same as Claude Code:
{
"mcpServers": {
"playwright": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@executeautomation/playwright-mcp-server"]
}
}
}Some versions of Cursor accept a single server object instead of the full mcpServers wrapper. If one format fails, try the other.
3. Enable the server
Toggle the server on. Cursor will immediately try to connect and discover tools. If the connection succeeds, the server shows a green or active indicator.
4. Verify the tools
In the composer or agent panel, ask:
Use the Playwright MCP server to take a screenshot of example.com.
If the tools are available, Cursor will invoke the server. If not, check the MCP panel for an error message.
Common issues
- Server stays disabled: Make sure you toggled it on after saving.
- Connection error: Try restarting Cursor. MCP servers are re-discovered on restart.
- Wrong config format: Cursor has changed formats across versions. Try both wrapped and unwrapped JSON.
- API key not picked up: Add the env block inside the server object, not outside mcpServers.
Browse tested servers
Find servers with verified Cursor install configs on our category pages.
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