ChatGPT Custom Connectors
ChatGPT can call tools from any remote MCP server. OpenAI calls these apps or connectors. To add your own server, turn on developer mode first.
Remote servers only. Chat-app connectors reach your server over the public internet. A local stdio server (one you start with npx or uvx) will not work. On Skills Playground MCP pages, look for the Add as a Connector box — it only shows for remote servers and gives you the URL to paste.
Turn On Developer Mode
- Open ChatGPT Settings → Apps & Connectors
- Open Advanced and switch on Developer mode
OpenAI has moved this toggle during 2026. If you do not see it there, look under Settings → Security.
Add a Custom Connector
- Go back to Apps & Connectors and click Create
- Enter a name and a clear description. The model reads the description when it decides to use the connector
- Paste the server's HTTPS URL
- Pick the authentication type (OAuth or none) and save
- In a new chat, select the connector from the tools menu
Plans and Limits
- Developer mode is on Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu plans
- On Business and Enterprise, an admin may need to allow custom connectors
- The server must be reachable over HTTPS — no local stdio servers
- Developer mode lets the model take write actions. Check each tool call before you confirm it
Find Servers to Add
Browse the MCP server directory and filter by the streamable-http or sse transport. Each remote server page has a ChatGPT tab under Add as a Connector with the exact URL to copy.