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This guide covers finding MCP servers, adding them to Cline, and configuring their settings.

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Finding MCP Servers

Several places to find MCP servers:

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Adding Servers with Cline

The easiest way to add an MCP server is to have Cline build it for you:
  1. Provide Cline with the GitHub repository URL
  2. Optionally include the README contents for context
  3. Cline clones the repo, builds it, and adds the configuration
Example conversation: 
User: "Add the MCP server from https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main/src/brave-search"

Cline: "Cloning the repository. It needs to be built. Should I run 'npm run build'?"

User: "Yes"

Cline: "Build complete. This server needs an API key. Where should I find it?"

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Managing Servers

Access server settings through the MCP Servers icon in Cline’s top navigation bar.

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Enable/Disable

Toggle the switch next to any server to enable or disable it.

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Restart

Click “Restart Server” if a server becomes unresponsive.

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Delete

Click the trash icon or “Delete Server” button. No confirmation dialog.

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Network Timeout

Set how long to wait for responses (30 seconds to 1 hour, default 1 minute).

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Editing Configuration Files

Settings are stored in cline_mcp_settings.json:
  1. Click MCP Servers icon
  2. Select “Configure” tab
  3. Click “Configure MCP Servers”

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STDIO Transport (Local Servers)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "local-server": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/server.js"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      },
      "alwaysAllow": ["tool1", "tool2"],
      "disabled": false
    }
  }
}

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SSE Transport (Remote Servers)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "remote-server": {
      "url": "https://your-server-url.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer your-token"
      },
      "alwaysAllow": ["tool3"],
      "disabled": false
    }
  }
}

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Global MCP Mode

Control how MCP servers affect token usage:
  1. Click MCP Servers icon
  2. Select “Configure” tab
  3. Click “Advanced MCP Settings”
  4. Find Cline>Mcp:Mode and select your preference
MCP settings

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Using MCP Tools

After configuring a server, Cline automatically detects available tools:
  1. Type your request in chat
  2. Cline identifies when an MCP tool can help
  3. Approve the tool use (or use auto-approval)

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Troubleshooting

IssueSolution
Server not respondingCheck if process is running, verify network connectivity
Permission errorsEnsure API keys and credentials are configured
Tool not availableConfirm server implements the tool and it’s not disabled
Slow performanceIncrease network timeout for the server