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

# Authenticate with Zapier MCP

> Three ways to authenticate with Zapier MCP: server URL for listed clients, connection token for unlisted clients, and API key for SDK-based integrations.

Zapier MCP supports three authentication methods. The right one depends on how you are connecting.

| Method               | When to use                                                                 |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Server URL**       | Your client is on the supported list (Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT, and others). |
| **Connection token** | Your client is not on the list, or you are connecting a custom integration. |
| **API key**          | You are connecting via the TypeScript or Python SDK.                        |

## Server URL

For most listed clients, Zapier MCP generates a client-specific server URL during setup. The **Connect** tab on your server walks you through the steps for your client; you do not need to manage credentials manually.

Some listed clients require specific configurations to connect to Zapier MCP. Learn how to [connect specific AI clients](/mcp/get-started/clients).

## Connection token

If your client is not on the supported list, select **Other** when creating your server. Zapier MCP generates a connection token you can use to authenticate any MCP-compatible client.

<Warning>
  Treat your connection credentials like a password. They can be used to run tools on this server and access your data.
</Warning>

### Generate a token

1. Go to [mcp.zapier.com](https://mcp.zapier.com) and select your server.
2. Select the **Connect** tab.
3. Click **Generate token**. A dialog box will open showing your credentials.
4. Copy and store your **credentials** immediately. The token is only shown once.
5. Check **I have saved my credentials**, then click **Close**.

<Note>
  If you close the dialog without saving your token, you will not be able to retrieve the token. You will need to rotate it to get a new one.
</Note>

### How to connect

When you generate a token, you get two connection options:

**Option 1: Authorization header (Recommended)**

Add the following header to your client's MCP configuration:

```text theme={null}
Authorization: Bearer <token>
```

Connect to:

```text theme={null}
https://mcp.zapier.com/api/v1/connect
```

**Option 2: URL with token**

Use the full server URL with the token included as a query parameter. The dialog box will display the complete URL during setup.

### Rotate a token

If your token is exposed or you need to invalidate the current one:

1. Go to [mcp.zapier.com](https://mcp.zapier.com) and select your server.
2. Select the **Connect** tab.
3. Click **Rotate token**.
4. Copy and store the new token immediately. It is only visible once.

Rotating immediately invalidates the previous token. Any clients using the old token will stop working until you update their configuration.

## API key

The API key method is available for TypeScript and Python SDK integrations. It is not used for standard AI client connections.

<Warning>
  Treat your API key like a password. It can be used to run tools on this server and access your data.
</Warning>

### Generate an API key

1. Go to [mcp.zapier.com](https://mcp.zapier.com) and select your server.
2. Select the **Connect** tab.
3. Select **TypeScript** or **Python** as your client.
4. Under **Step 1: Get Your API Key**, click **Generate API Key**.

Use the key as a Bearer token in the Authorization header of your SDK requests:

```text theme={null}
Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_MCP_API_KEY>
```

Connect to:

```text theme={null}
https://mcp.zapier.com/api/v1/connect
```

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connect your AI client" href="/mcp/clients">
    Per-client setup guides for Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, and more.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Your first MCP workflow" href="/mcp/your-first-mcp-workflow">
    End-to-end tutorial for connecting and running your first tool call.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>