MCP Settings

Turn BibGenie's local MCP server on or off, copy its URL, and test the connection.

MCP Settings controls BibGenie's local MCP server. When enabled, external MCP clients can connect to the Server URL and access BibGenie's Zotero tools.

Controls

Enable MCP Server

Starts or stops the local MCP server.

Server URL

The URL external clients use to connect to BibGenie. It usually looks like http://127.0.0.1:23119/bibgenie/mcp, but the port can be different if Zotero uses a custom HTTP server port.

Copy

Copies the Server URL to your clipboard.

Test Connection

Sends an MCP initialize request with HTTP POST JSON-RPC to verify that the endpoint is reachable.

Browser testing can be misleading

Opening the Server URL directly in your browser is not the same as an MCP connection. MCP clients send POST JSON-RPC requests, while the browser address bar sends a GET request. Use Test Connection for the real check.

Status Reference

Status	Meaning
Server is off	MCP Server is disabled
Starting	Server is starting
Server running	Server is ready for external clients
Testing connection	Connection test is running
Connection verified	Test succeeded
Connection failed	Test failed; check the URL or server state

When Connection Fails

Make sure Zotero is running.
Make sure BibGenie is enabled in Zotero.
Make sure Enable MCP Server is on.
Copy the displayed Server URL instead of assuming port 23119.
Restart Zotero if the server was recently enabled or the plugin was updated.

Enable MCP

Open BibGenie Preferences.

Find the MCP Server section.

Turn on Enable MCP Server.

Wait for the Server URL to appear.

Click Copy and paste the URL into your external MCP client.

Click Test Connection to verify it works.

Disable MCP

When you are not using external clients, turn off Enable MCP Server. External clients will no longer be able to access BibGenie's MCP tools.

Connect only trusted clients

MCP tools may read or modify your Zotero library. Share the Server URL only with clients you trust.