🧭 Overview
The Search Atlas MCP (Model Context Protocol) server lets you connect Search Atlas tools directly to AI assistants like ChatGPT. However, setting it up for the first time — or after an API key change — can produce authentication errors or a 'no actions available' message. This article walks you through the correct setup process and the most common fixes.
⚙️ How the Search Atlas MCP Works with ChatGPT
Search Atlas uses OAuth 2.1 to authenticate your ChatGPT connection. When you link the MCP server, ChatGPT receives a signed JWT (JSON Web Token) that grants it access to your Search Atlas tools — including GSC data, keyword research, and LLM Visibility features.
Important things to know before you begin:
- The Search Atlas MCP server is a standard remote MCP server that works with any MCP client, ChatGPT included. Whether a given ChatGPT app or plan lets you add a custom MCP connector is decided on ChatGPT's side.
- Your Search Atlas account must be on a plan that includes MCP/AI Agent access.
- JWT tokens are tied to your current API key. If you rotate your API key or disconnect a site, you must re-authenticate — existing tokens are not automatically invalidated but will stop working correctly.
🚀 How to Install the Search Atlas MCP in ChatGPT
- In your ChatGPT-connected environment (e.g., ChatGPT desktop app or a GPT Action setup), open the plugin or action configuration panel.
- Select Add an action or Connect an MCP server, then paste in the Search Atlas MCP Server URL.
- When prompted for authentication, choose OAuth login (an active subscription is required), or alternatively authenticate with a Search Atlas API key from Settings → API Keys passed via the
X-API-Keyheader. - If using OAuth, ChatGPT will redirect you to a Search Atlas login screen — sign in with your account credentials to complete the OAuth handshake.
- Once authorised, return to ChatGPT. Your Search Atlas tools should now appear as available actions.
🛠️ Fixing 'No Actions Available' Errors
If you see a 'no actions available' message after connecting, work through these steps in order:
- Confirm your ChatGPT app and plan support custom MCP connectors. Custom MCP connector availability depends on the customer's ChatGPT app and plan (ChatGPT's side).
- Re-check your authentication. Confirm you completed OAuth login with an active subscription, or that the Search Atlas API key from Settings → API Keys you provided in the
X-API-Keyheader is valid. - Complete the OAuth flow fully. The connection only activates after you sign in on the Search Atlas authorisation page. If you closed that window early, disconnect and reconnect the integration to restart the flow.
- Check your plan permissions. MCP access is not available on all plans. Verify that your subscription includes AI Agent or MCP features under Avatar (top-right) → Billing (Plans & Top-ups).
- Rotate your token after an API key change. If you recently rotated your Search Atlas API key or disconnected a site, your previous JWT may be stale. Disconnect the MCP integration in ChatGPT, then reconnect it using fresh credentials from Search Atlas.
- Wait up to two minutes. After a successful OAuth handshake, ChatGPT may take a short moment to load available actions. Refresh or restart the session before concluding there is a problem.
🔐 Understanding Token Behaviour
Search Atlas issues signed JWT tokens during the OAuth flow. Keep these points in mind to avoid future authentication issues:
- Tokens are valid for a set period. If your session expires, you will need to re-authorise the connection.
- Rotating your Search Atlas API key does not automatically revoke existing JWTs. However, those tokens will lose access to protected data. Always reconnect after a key rotation.
- Disconnecting a site from Search Atlas does not instantly invalidate tokens linked to that site. Reconnect the MCP integration after any major account change to ensure your tokens are fresh and correctly scoped.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use the Search Atlas MCP in the ChatGPT web app? The Search Atlas MCP server works with any MCP client, ChatGPT included. Whether you can add a custom MCP connector depends on your ChatGPT app and plan (ChatGPT's side).
- How many tools does the MCP give me access to? When correctly authenticated, the MCP unlocks tools across GSC data, keyword research, and LLM Visibility — over 70 actions in total.
- Do I need to reconnect if I change my Search Atlas password? Changing your password alone does not affect your MCP token, but if you reset your API key you should reconnect the integration.
💬 Still Need Help?
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