Tools

How to add a custom MCP server to ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini

The big chat apps all take remote MCP servers now, as connectors or apps. Where to add one, and which plans can, differs by app.

Updated Nov 2, 2026 · Written with AI help

Before you start

You need the server's URL. The example here is ours: Sixteen Bridges keeps your bubbles, context you save once and use in any AI app. The steps are the same for any remote server that signs in with OAuth.

Server URL
https://mcp.sixteenbridges.com/mcp

With OAuth there are no keys to paste. The app registers itself, and you approve it once in your browser.

App by app

Claude (claude.ai, Desktop)

  1. Open Settings → Connectors and choose Add custom connector.
  2. Name it Sixteen Bridges and paste the URL: https://mcp.sixteenbridges.com/mcp
  3. Choose Connect, then Allow on sixteenbridges.com.

Free plans can add one custom connector.

ChatGPT

  1. Turn on Developer mode: Settings → Apps (or Connectors) → Advanced settings.
  2. Create an app or connector named Sixteen Bridges with the URL https://mcp.sixteenbridges.com/mcp and OAuth sign-in.
  3. Allow it on sixteenbridges.com, then turn it on in the chat.

Developer mode is on paid plans, and saving or editing bubbles from ChatGPT may need a Business or Enterprise plan. Workspace admins may need to allow custom apps first.

Gemini (gemini.google.com)

  1. On a computer, open gemini.google.com → Settings → Connected Apps. If it isn't there, open Personal Intelligence first.
  2. Under Custom apps, choose Add a custom app.
  3. Paste the URL https://mcp.sixteenbridges.com/mcp and choose Next. Leave Advanced features empty: it signs in by itself.
  4. Follow the prompts (name it Sixteen Bridges if asked), then Allow on sixteenbridges.com.
  5. In a chat, type @ and pick Sixteen Bridges.

Custom apps are only for people 18 or over in the US, on a personal Google account (not work or school), in English, with Keep Activity on. Added on the web, they then work in the Gemini app too.

Grok

  1. Open grok.com/connectors, choose New Connector, then Custom.
  2. Paste the URL: https://mcp.sixteenbridges.com/mcp
  3. Allow it on sixteenbridges.com.

Custom connectors are on paid Grok plans.

Perplexity

  1. Open Settings → Connectors and choose Custom connector, Remote.
  2. Name it Sixteen Bridges, paste the URL https://mcp.sixteenbridges.com/mcp, and choose OAuth.
  3. Allow it on sixteenbridges.com, then turn it on under a thread's sources.

Custom connectors are on Pro, Max and Enterprise plans, and are added on the web.

Terminal and desktop apps

Claude Code, Codex and Gemini CLI add a remote server with one command. Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code and Windsurf can also start it locally through the sixteenbridges CLI, with no connector and no paid plan. Every command is on Connect an AI, and the details are in the MCP docs.

If it doesn't connect

  • Check that the URL is complete, including the /mcp at the end.
  • On a work or school account, an admin may have to allow custom connectors first.
  • If the sign-in page was closed before you allowed it, remove the connector and add it again.

You can disconnect any app on your account page. Its access ends within a minute.