Install an MCP Server in Cursor on Mac: Config Guide & Reload Tips

Cursor lists your MCP servers in its Customize panel, where you can switch each one on or off. Setting it up is very similar to Claude Desktop, just in a different file location.

Config File Locations

# Global (all projects)
~/.cursor/mcp.json

# Project-specific
.cursor/mcp.json   # in project root

Creating and Editing the Config

mkdir -p ~/.cursor
touch ~/.cursor/mcp.json   # then open it in Cursor or any text editor

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "memory": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-memory"]
    }
  }
}

Multiple skills

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "memory": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-memory"]
    },
    "brave-search": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@brave/brave-search-mcp-server"],
      "env": { "BRAVE_API_KEY": "your-key" }
    }
  }
}

Cursor vs Claude Code: Config Comparison

Reloading After Changes

After you edit mcp.json, restart Cursor. You can switch a server on or off from the Customize panel without removing it from the file.

Verify It Worked

Open Cursor Chat (⌘+L) and ask:

What tools do you have available?

If the skill loaded, Cursor will list the tools. If it didn't, open the Output panel (⌘+Shift+U), pick MCP Logs, and look for the error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Cursor MCP config on Mac?

~/.cursor/mcp.json for global config. Project-specific: .cursor/mcp.json in your project root. Both use the same JSON format.

Do I need to restart Cursor after editing mcp.json?

Restart Cursor after you change the file. To switch a server on or off without editing the file, use the Customize panel.

Can I use the same MCP server in Cursor and Claude Code?

They're separate configs: ~/.cursor/mcp.json for Cursor, and claude mcp add (stored in ~/.claude.json) for Claude Code. The same server works in both; add it to each.