Install via OpenClaw

OpenClaw supports Apps natively. You can install mctx Apps through the marketplace or by adding them manually to your configuration file.

Method 1: Via the mctx Marketplace (Recommended)

The marketplace lets you install servers without editing config files or constructing URLs manually.

Add the mctx marketplace

Run this once to register the mctx marketplace with OpenClaw:

openclaw plugins marketplace add mctx-ai/claude-plugins

This tells OpenClaw where to find mctx plugins. You only need to do this once — the marketplace persists across sessions.

Browse available servers

After adding the marketplace, you can see what is available:

openclaw plugins marketplace list mctx

Apps from the mctx marketplace appear alongside any other plugins you have installed. Each entry shows the App name, description, and version.

Install a server

Install any server from the marketplace:

openclaw plugins install {slug}@mctx

Replace {slug} with the App's slug — the short identifier that appears in the App's URL and on its mctx page. For example, if the App's page is at mctx.ai/apps/weather-api, the slug is weather-api:

openclaw plugins install weather-api@mctx

The @mctx suffix tells OpenClaw which marketplace to use when there are multiple sources with similar names.

Method 2: Manual Configuration

If you prefer to configure the App directly, add it to your OpenClaw config file.

Edit your config file

Open ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json and add the App under the mcpServers key:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "{slug}": {
      "type": "streamable-http",
      "url": "https://{slug}.mctx.ai"
    }
  }
}

Replace {slug} with the App's slug. When you first connect, OpenClaw will prompt you to authenticate via your browser.

To pin to a specific version, use https://{slug}.mctx.ai/v1.0.0 with the version shown on your subscription card.

Restart OpenClaw

After saving the config file, restart OpenClaw to pick up the new server.

What installing does

When you install a plugin via the marketplace, two things happen:

MCP connection — The server is added to your MCP configuration automatically. You do not need to edit any config files or add any URLs manually.

About skill — A short skill is loaded into your client's context. It describes what the server does, what tools it provides, and how to use it. Your client has this information available when you ask it to use the server.

Manual configuration gives you direct control over the connection settings. Use this if you need to pin a specific version or your setup requires explicit configuration.

Authentication

Authentication is handled automatically through OAuth for both methods. The first time OpenClaw connects to the server, it opens your browser for sign-in. Sign in with the same mctx account you used to subscribe, and OpenClaw stores the token securely. You will not be prompted again unless your token expires.

If you have not subscribed yet — visit the server's page at mctx.ai/apps/{slug} and subscribe first. Without an active subscription, the server returns a 402 error.

Verify the installation

After installing, confirm the server is available:

openclaw mcp list

You should see the server listed. If it is not there, try reinstalling or check that the marketplace is still registered.

Uninstall a server

Marketplace install:

openclaw plugins uninstall {slug}

Manual install: Remove the server entry from ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json and restart OpenClaw.

In both cases, your subscription is not canceled — you can reinstall at any time without resubscribing.

Troubleshooting

The marketplace does not show any servers

The mctx marketplace only lists servers that developers have explicitly published. Not every mctx server is in the marketplace. If a server you want is not listed, try the manual configuration method or contact the developer.

Authentication keeps failing

Make sure you are signing in with the same mctx account you used to subscribe. If you have multiple accounts, the subscription is tied to one specific account and only that account will be authorized.

Connection errors with manual configuration

Check that:

1. The type is set to "streamable-http" (not "http" or "sse")
2. The URL matches the server slug exactly (case-sensitive)
3. You have an active subscription at app.mctx.ai/subscriptions

The server appears installed but tools are not loading

Wait a few seconds and try again — some clients need a moment after connecting. If tools still do not appear, run openclaw mcp list to confirm the server entry exists and the URL looks correct.

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