# Connect Nickbox to VS Code

> Add Nickbox as an HTTP MCP server in VS Code, from the command palette or .vscode/mcp.json.

Updated: 2026-10-03 · Canonical: https://staging.nickbox.io/en/docs/vscode

VS Code adds Nickbox as an HTTP MCP server, either from the command palette or with a small JSON file.

## Before you start

- A recent VS Code with MCP support and an agent chat available.
- A Nickbox account with at least one inbox connected.
- Your MCP URL: `https://nickbox.io/mcp` here; the real one is in the dashboard under Connect.

## Option A: command palette

1. Open the command palette and run **MCP: Add Server**.
2. Choose **HTTP**.
3. Paste the URL:

   ```text
   https://nickbox.io/mcp
   ```

4. Name it `nickbox` and choose where to save it: your user profile, or the current workspace.
5. When VS Code asks, allow it to open the browser, sign in with Google and approve read-only access.

## Option B: edit the file

Create `.vscode/mcp.json` in your workspace:

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "nickbox": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://nickbox.io/mcp"
    }
  }
}
```

Note that VS Code uses `servers`, not `mcpServers`. Save the file, then start the server from the inline **Start** action above the entry. VS Code opens the browser for sign-in.

## Check it works

Open chat in agent mode, open the tools picker and confirm the Nickbox tools are enabled. Then ask:

```text
list my inboxes
```

You should see your nicknames. VS Code asks before running a tool the first time.

## Troubleshooting

- **MCP: Add Server is missing.** Update VS Code, or check that your organization has not disabled MCP.
- **The server will not start.** Run **MCP: List Servers**, select nickbox and open its output to see the error.
- **You used `mcpServers` and nothing happened.** Change it to `servers` in `.vscode/mcp.json`.
- **Sign-in expired.** Run **MCP: List Servers**, choose nickbox and restart or sign in again.
- **Google blocks sign-in on Workspace.** See the [Workspace admin guide](/en/docs/workspace-admin).