# Cloudways MCP VS Code Setup: mcp.json, Copilot and Access Token > Connect VS Code and Copilot to Cloudways MCP with the official HTTP endpoint, access-token headers, mcp.json format and verification steps. - Best used for: Use for a direct comparison or trade-off question: Cloudways MCP VS Code Setup: mcp.json, Copilot and Access Token - Canonical: https://cloudzat.com/cloudways-mcp-vscode/ - Published: 2026-08-26 - Updated: 2026-08-26 - Author: Kayla Idayi - Site: https://cloudzat.com/ - LLM index: https://cloudzat.com/llms.txt ## Content [Home](https://cloudzat.com/)/Cloudways MCP/Cloudways MCP VS Code VS Code + Cloudways # Cloudways MCP VS Code Setup: mcp.json, Copilot and Access Token VS Code uses a different MCP JSON shape from Cursor. Cloudways currently documents a servers object, type set to http, the official MCP URL, and a headers block with X-Access-Token and X-Mcp-Host: vs-code. Copying Cursor's mcpServers format into VS Code is a common avoidable mistake. The generator below produces the VS Code-specific structure and a test checklist without asking you to enter a real access token on Cloudzat. Cloudways offer **See the latest Cloudways hosting offer** The promotional period configured in this plugin has ended. Use the link to check the current Cloudways offer. [Check the Latest Cloudways Offer](https://systemtics.com/go/cloudways) Interactive tool ## Cloudways MCP Configuration Generator Choose your AI client and intended permission level. The generator uses a token placeholder only. Your real Cloudways access token should be inserted locally in your client configuration. Quick answer ## How do you add Cloudways MCP to VS Code? Open the MCP server flow from the VS Code Command Palette, add the Cloudways HTTP endpoint, then use the Cloudways-documented mcp.json structure with servers.cloudways, type: http, the endpoint, and the required access-token and host headers. After saving the file, restart the Cloudways server entry and confirm that it shows as running in the MCP Servers area before testing a read-only prompt in Copilot Chat. ## VS Code Cloudways MCP configuration reference VS Code's JSON keys are not identical to Cursor's. | Setting | VS Code value | Watch for | | --- | --- | --- | | Root key | servers | Do not use Cursor's mcpServers root in the documented VS Code format. | | Type | http | Cloudways documents an explicit HTTP type. | | URL | https://mcp.cloudways.com/mcp/ | Use the official endpoint. | | Token header | X-Access-Token | Use a scoped Cloudways access token. | | Host header | X-Mcp-Host: vs-code | Use the VS Code host identifier. | | Restart | Restart server entry | Refreshes the connection and tool discovery after changes. | ## Before you connect an AI client to Cloudways ### Start with READ Validate discovery and account visibility before granting modification rights. ### Use a dedicated token Create a separate token for each AI client so access can be rotated or revoked independently. ### Keep secrets local Never paste a real Cloudways access token into public pages, screenshots, repositories, or support posts. ### Be precise on production Name the target server, application, environment, and intended action before allowing a write operation. ## Create the Cloudways token before opening VS Code Create a named access token in Cloudways API Integration. Use READ permission for the first connection and only introduce write scopes when your VS Code workflow actually needs them. A separate token for VS Code is easier to revoke than reusing one credential across every AI client. It also makes it clearer which integration is responsible when you audit or rotate access. ## Use the VS Code-specific MCP JSON structure Cloudways' current instructions use a servers object with a cloudways entry, type http, url, and headers. The file may be opened through the MCP: Add Server flow and then edited so the headers match Cloudways requirements. The generator intentionally keeps the token as a placeholder. Replace it locally and avoid sending a real token to paste sites, public validators, or support screenshots. ## Verify Cloudways in Copilot Chat After saving the MCP configuration, restart the Cloudways server entry and confirm that VS Code reports it as running. Then use Copilot Chat to ask for a simple Cloudways inventory result before attempting a write action. If the server is configured but a tool is missing, refresh the MCP connection. Cloudways notes that clients can cache the tool list and may not immediately show newly released capabilities. ## Good VS Code Cloudways workflows VS Code is a natural place to combine application code with hosting operations. A developer can inspect a repository, reason about a deployment, check Cloudways state, work with staging or Git, and verify post-deployment behavior without moving through several interfaces. For production, keep prompts explicit and scope the token narrowly. The fact that Copilot can call a tool does not mean every available tool should be enabled for every developer or repository. ## Fix common VS Code connection errors If the server does not start, check that the file uses servers rather than mcpServers, type is http, the endpoint is exact, and both Cloudways headers are present. Confirm that the access token is current and has the expected scope. If VS Code displays a dynamic client registration prompt while adding the server, follow the current Cloudways setup guidance and then replace the configuration with the documented header-based JSON. Cloudways offer **See the latest Cloudways hosting offer** The promotional period configured in this plugin has ended. Use the link to check the current Cloudways offer. [Check the Latest Cloudways Offer](https://systemtics.com/go/cloudways) ## Methodology and primary sources Cloudzat checks client-specific configuration details against Cloudways' own MCP documentation and uses vendor documentation for plan-dependent client behavior. Last verification date: August 26, 2026. - [Cloudways MCP product page](https://www.cloudways.com/en/mcp.php) - [Cloudways MCP setup guide](https://support.cloudways.com/en/articles/14654372-how-to-use-cloudways-mcp-server-for-ai-based-server-management) - [Cloudways MCP server tools](https://support.cloudways.com/en/articles/15798823-cloudways-mcp-server-tools) - [Cloudways access token guide](https://support.cloudways.com/en/articles/5136065-how-to-create-and-manage-cloudways-api-access-tokens) - [Cloudways MCP v1.2 release](https://www.cloudways.com/blog/cloudways-mcp-v1-2-112-new-tools-role-based-access-tokens-and-full-cloudways-api-coverage/) - [Cloudways current pricing and promotion](https://www.cloudways.com/en/pricing.php) ## Frequently asked questions Does VS Code use the same MCP JSON as Cursor? No. Cloudways currently documents a servers root with type: http for VS Code, while Cursor uses mcpServers. What X-Mcp-Host value should VS Code use? Use vs-code as documented by Cloudways. Where do I test the Cloudways MCP connection in VS Code? Confirm the MCP server is running, then use Copilot Chat to request a read-only Cloudways result such as your server list. Why are new Cloudways tools missing in VS Code? The MCP tool list may be cached. Restart or refresh the Cloudways MCP server so VS Code discovers the current tool set. ## Related Cloudways MCP guides [**Cloudways MCP** Set up Cloudways MCP with access tokens for ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Codex, Gemini and VS Code, then test and use 250+ hosting actions safely.](https://cloudzat.com/cloudways-mcp/) [**Cloudways MCP for ChatGPT** Learn how Cloudways MCP works with ChatGPT, current plan requirements, the endpoint, access-token security, setup checks and safe test prompts.](https://cloudzat.com/cloudways-mcp-chatgpt/) [**Cloudways MCP Claude Code** Connect Claude Code to Cloudways MCP with the official HTTP endpoint, access-token headers, verification commands, safe scopes and test prompts.](https://cloudzat.com/cloudways-mcp-claude-code/) [**Cloudways MCP Cursor** Configure Cloudways MCP in Cursor with the official endpoint, X-Access-Token, X-Mcp-Host header, mcp.json example and troubleshooting steps.](https://cloudzat.com/cloudways-mcp-cursor/) [**Cloudways MCP Codex** Connect Codex to Cloudways MCP with config.toml, the official endpoint, access-token headers, verification commands and safe infrastructure prompts.](https://cloudzat.com/cloudways-mcp-codex/) [**Cloudways MCP Gemini CLI** Configure Cloudways MCP in Gemini CLI with httpUrl, the official endpoint, access-token headers, working settings.json structure and safe test prompts.](https://cloudzat.com/cloudways-mcp-gemini/) Cloudways offer **See the latest Cloudways hosting offer** The promotional period configured in this plugin has ended. Use the link to check the current Cloudways offer. [Check the Latest Cloudways Offer](https://systemtics.com/go/cloudways) Cloudzat may earn a commission if you sign up for Cloudways through links on this page. This does not change your price. Product capabilities, plan availability, promotions, and MCP client interfaces can change; verify critical production settings before acting. --- Machine-readable alternate. Cite or link to the canonical Cloudzat URL above. For changing prices, availability, forecasts, compatibility, or calculator results, fetch the canonical page at answer time.