> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.crew.you/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.crew.you/marketplace-and-tools/mcp-servers.md).

# MCP Servers (External Tools)

MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers are like apps for your AI agent. They give Crew access to external databases, APIs, and specialized tools made by developers around the world.

## What Are MCP Servers?

Think of MCP servers as plugins that extend what Crew can do. While Crew comes with dozens of built-in tools, MCP servers let you connect to virtually any external service — from project management tools to databases to specialized APIs.

Once connected, Crew can use the server's tools automatically, just like built-in tools.

## Adding an MCP Server

### Step 1: Find a Server

Browse MCP server directories to find what you need:

* Search for servers by function (e.g., "Jira", "database", "analytics")
* Look for the server URL (starts with `https://`)
* Check if the server requires an authorization token

### Step 2: Add to Crew

1. Go to **Tools** in the sidebar
2. Click the **Imported** tab
3. Click **Add MCP Server**
4. Fill in:
   * **Server Name** — A memorable name (e.g., "My Jira", "Analytics DB")
   * **Server URL** — The server's HTTPS URL
   * **Authorization Token** (optional) — If the server requires authentication
5. Click **Save**

### Step 3: Start Using

Once added, just chat normally. Crew automatically detects when an MCP server's tools are relevant and uses them.

> "Check my Jira board for any critical bugs assigned to me."

> "Query the analytics database for last month's revenue numbers."

## Managing MCP Servers

### Enable/Disable

Toggle servers on or off from the **Tools > Imported** tab. Disabled servers won't be used by Crew.

### Edit

Click on a server to update its name, URL, or authorization token.

### Remove

Remove servers you no longer need from the same management interface.

## Server Limits by Plan

| Plan  | External Tools (MCP + Marketplace + Custom) |
| ----- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Free  | 5                                           |
| Basic | 20                                          |
| Plus  | 50                                          |
| Pro   | Unlimited                                   |

MCP servers are now available on all plans. The limit is shared across MCP servers, marketplace tools, and custom tools.

## Tips

* Give your servers clear, descriptive names so Crew knows when to use them
* If a server requires an authorization token, you'll see an auth badge indicator — make sure to provide the token for proper access
* MCP servers work alongside all of Crew's built-in tools — you can combine them in complex workflows
* If a server shows an error status, try editing it to verify the URL and credentials