Setting up an MCP connection for Agents
Agents can connect to and run tools from remote MCP servers. You can choose from preset connections for popular services or connect your own custom MCP server.- Open the Agent you want to connect
- Navigate to the Tools tab in the agent builder
- Click Add MCP
- Choose your connection type:
- Preset connections: Select from Notion, Canva, or Atlassian — follow the OAuth flow to authorize access and tools are configured automatically
- Custom connection: Click Connect my own, add the server URL, label the connection, and enter any required authentication details
Troubleshooting
Tools not loading from external MCP server
Tools not loading from external MCP server
- Verify the MCP server URL is correct and the server is online
- Check that any required authentication credentials are entered correctly
- Ensure the external MCP server supports the Streamable HTTP transport
Agent cannot run external tools
Agent cannot run external tools
- Confirm the tools are listed in the agent’s Tools tab after connecting
- Check that the external MCP server has not revoked access or changed credentials
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting the MCP server in the agent builder
Connection timeout or errors
Connection timeout or errors
- The external MCP server may be temporarily unavailable — try again later
- Check that the server URL does not require VPN or network access that Relevance AI cannot reach
- For preset connections, try disconnecting and reconnecting to refresh the OAuth token
- Contact the MCP server provider if the issue persists
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What types of MCP servers can I connect?
What types of MCP servers can I connect?
You can connect any remote MCP server that supports the Streamable HTTP transport. This includes servers from services like Linear, Notion, GitHub, and any custom MCP servers you host.
Can I connect multiple MCP servers to one agent?
Can I connect multiple MCP servers to one agent?
Yes. You can add multiple MCP server connections to a single agent, giving it access to tools from several external services at once.
Can I use locally hosted MCP servers?
Can I use locally hosted MCP servers?
No. Relevance AI only supports remote MCP servers accessible via a public URL. Local MCP servers running on your machine (e.g. via JSON configuration) are not supported.

