> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chief.bot/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# MCP servers — connecting custom tools

> Beyond the built-in integrations, Chief can connect to MCP servers — tools and data sources that speak the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard for exposing capabilities to AI assistants.

## Extend Chief with your own tools

Beyond the [built-in integrations](/help/integrations/integrations-overview), Chief can connect to **MCP servers** — tools and data sources that speak the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard for exposing capabilities to AI assistants. If a tool you rely on isn't a built-in integration, an MCP server is the way to bring it into Chief so it can [call that tool during a chat](/help/actions-automation/connecting-a-custom-mcp-server).

## When to use an MCP server

* You have an internal or third-party tool that isn't one of Chief's built-in integrations.
* You want Chief to read from or act in a system through a standard interface instead of a one-off connector.

## How to connect

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/chief-2d405d1a/BBGD1uH7sfT84ugx/images/help/integ-mcp.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=BBGD1uH7sfT84ugx&q=85&s=fa4a0ca4e25ec33db1a811288a33687e" alt="Chief - the Connect via MCP Server option on the Integrations page" width="840" height="88" data-path="images/help/integ-mcp.png" />
</Frame>

1. Open **Settings** and select **Integrations**.
2. At the bottom of the page, click **+ Connect via MCP Server**.
3. This opens the MCP setup guide, which walks you through registering your server and the details Chief needs to reach it.
4. Follow that guide to finish connecting your tool.

<Note>
  ℹ️ **Good to know:** The **+ Connect via MCP Server** link opens a dedicated MCP setup guide. Because MCP servers are custom, the exact connection details depend on the server you're connecting; follow the linked guide for the current steps.
</Note>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What's the difference between an MCP server and a built-in integration?">
    Built-in integrations ([Google Drive](/help/integrations/google-drive), Gmail, Calendar, [Notion](/help/integrations/notion), Zoom) are pre-wired connectors you turn on from their cards. An MCP server is a custom tool you connect through the open Model Context Protocol — use it when the tool you need isn't already a built-in integration.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I can't reach my MCP server from Chief.">
    Confirm the server is running and reachable, and that the connection details you registered in the MCP setup guide are correct. If it still won't connect, re-open **+ Connect via MCP Server** and re-check the setup steps.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Don't see a tool you want as an MCP server or built-in integration?">
    Use the **Request More Integrations** link at the bottom of the Integrations settings to tell us what to add.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>