---
title: MCP Server
slug: docs/mcp-server
description: Connect Claude and any MCP client to the Back4app MCP server to deploy anything that runs in a container, follow builds, read logs, set environment variables and roll back.
image: https://cdn.images.archbee.com/yD3zCY-NNBBIfd0uqcfR5/1TkO7WIBVpUuLETWvhyp2_mcp-server.png
createdAt: 2026-11-03T17:55:15.245Z
---

Connect your AI tools to Back4app using the [Model Context Protocol (MCP)](https://modelcontextprotocol.io), an open standard that lets AI assistants work with your Back4app applications.

The Back4app MCP server deploys anything that runs in a container, from web apps and websites to APIs and backends, and gives it a live HTTPS address. It follows builds, reads logs, deploys new versions, sets environment variables and rolls back.

## Server

- URL: `https://mcp.back4app.com/mcp`
- Transport: Streamable HTTP
- Authentication: none to start. With no account connected, the server makes a temporary account when you ask to deploy. To use your Back4app account, sign in with OAuth 2.1.

## Connect

:::ExpandableHeading{isOpen="true"}
### With the plugin (AI coding agents)

```bash
npx plugins add back4app/back4app-plugin
```

The plugin installs the MCP server and the Web Deployment skill. See [Back4app Plugin](docId\:hESe3NYCOtnffycVg3p8X).
:::

:::ExpandableHeading{isOpen="true"}
### Claude (claude.ai, desktop, Cowork)

Open [this link](https://claude.ai/customize/connectors?modal=add-custom-connector\&connectorName=Back4app\&connectorUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fmcp.back4app.com%2Fmcp) to add Back4app as a connector, then connect it.
:::

:::ExpandableHeading{isOpen="true"}
### Any MCP client

Add a remote MCP server with the URL `https://mcp.back4app.com/mcp` and the Streamable HTTP transport. For example:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "back4app": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.back4app.com/mcp"
    }
  }
}
```

The name of the field for the transport changes between clients (`type: "http"`, `streamableHttp`, `httpUrl`, `serverUrl`): use the one your client documents.
:::

## Accounts and sign-in

| Connection           | What happens                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| No account connected | When you ask to deploy, the server makes a temporary account: 24 hours, one application, Free plan, built with a buildpack. You keep the application by opening the claim link and signing in. |
| Signed in            | The agent works with your Back4app account and its applications. Ask it to sign in to Back4app; your client opens the browser to approve.                                                      |

Each connection is listed in your Back4app account under **Connected Agents**, where you can end it.

## Safety

:::hint{type="info"}
Changes to a live application are shown to you as a summary first and run only after you agree.
:::

- `update_app` and `rollback` change a live application in two steps: the first call answers a summary and changes nothing. The agent shows you the summary and goes on only if you agree. A confirmation lasts 5 minutes and works once.
- Environment variable values are never read back by any tool.
- Logs are what your application wrote. The server marks them as data, never as instructions for the agent.
- A deployment blocked by a security check is reported to you; it is not retried.

## Back4app Backend

:::hint{type="warning"}
This server covers Web Deployment (Containers). For the Back4app Backend (Parse database, Cloud Code, Web Hosting), use the [Backend MCP](docId\:q8y-7064yP5oBpuzwbkwa), which runs locally with an account key. It will join this server later. If you use both, give the local one a different name, such as `back4app-backend`, so it doesn't replace this one in your client's configuration.
:::

## Tools

See [Back4app MCP tools](docId\:eoaptfF1m9oOmZuDw8bgI).