---
title: Connecting to the Inspire MCP Servers (Administrators)
description: Connect your AI assistant to Inspire’s two MCP servers. Learn the server URLs, Microsoft Entra ID sign-in, admin consent, and troubleshooting steps.
---

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# Connecting to the Inspire MCP Servers (Administrators)

## Inspire offers two MCP servers that let an AI assistant work with your Inspire data. You connect to each one by adding its URL to your MCP client and signing in with your Inspire account. No API keys or manual app setup are needed. Some organizations require a one-time approval from their Microsoft Entra ID admin before users can connect.

 

**Note:** The Inspire MCP servers currently support Microsoft Entra ID sign-in only. You must sign in with your organization's Microsoft work account.

If your organization uses Okta federated with Entra ID, that works too: you'll be redirected to your Okta sign-in page.

Other identity providers, such as standalone Okta or Google, are not yet supported.

| Server | URL | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Inspire MCP | https://gateway.inspiresoftware.com/usprod/mcp | Reads your data: objectives, key results, tasks, check-ins, 1-1s, roles and people |
| Inspire Actions MCP | https://gateway.inspiresoftware.com/usprod/actions/mcp | Makes changes on your behalf: creates tasks, posts check-ins, saves objectives and agendas |

You can connect one or both. Most people connect both so the assistant can look things up and then act on them.

This guide is for IT teams and Inspire admins connecting an MCP-compatible AI tool for their organization. It describes the standard steps that apply to any client that follows the MCP authorization specification. 

#### **Before You Begin**

You need an active Inspire account and an MCP client that supports remote servers with OAuth sign-in.

- **An active Inspire account.** You sign in with your organization's Microsoft work account (Microsoft Entra ID).
- **An MCP client that supports remote (HTTP) servers.** The client must connect over Streamable HTTP, not only local stdio servers.
- **OAuth 2.0 support in the client.** It must support the authorization code flow with PKCE.
- **Dynamic Client Registration (RFC 7591).** The client registers itself with Inspire automatically. You do not need a client ID or secret from us.
- **A browser on the same device.** The client opens a browser window for you to sign in.
- **Admin consent.** Your Microsoft Entra ID admin may need to approve the Inspire MCP app for your organization once. One approval covers both servers. If your organization requires this, have your admin available during setup. The consent URL is: https://login.microsoftonline.com/{YOUR MICROSOFT TENANT ID HERE}/adminconsent?client\_id=5ca23342-5bac-4f29-8acb-b5469b245aa9
- **Inspire setup.** Inspire enables your organization on our side before you can connect. Contact [support@inspiresoftware.com](mailto:support@inspiresoftware.com) if you are not sure this has been done.

**Note**: If your client's documentation mentions "OAuth", "remote MCP servers" or "custom connectors", it most likely meets these requirements. 

#### **How Your Data is Protected**

- **Your company's data only.** Data from other organizations is never visible, regardless of what the assistant asks for.
- **Your normal Inspire permissions apply.** If you cannot view or edit something in Inspire, the assistant cannot either.
- **Changes go through Inspire Actions MCP.** Inspire MCP is read-only. Creating or updating anything requires the Actions server.
- **Changes are made as you.** Tasks, check-ins and other updates are recorded under your name, just as if you made them in Inspire.
- **Admins control the tools.** Your admin can turn off individual tools in the AI client, for example to stop users from making changes in Inspire.
- **Connect only clients you trust.** A connected client can act on your Inspire data within your permissions.
- **Disconnect if needed.** Removing the server in your client stops it from making further requests.
- **Review before approving changes.** Check each create or update before you confirm it.
- **Report anything unexpected.** If you have any troubles, contact Inspire support right away.

#### **How the Connection Works**

Your client does almost all of this on its own; your only step is signing in. Knowing the sequence helps if something goes wrong.

1. **First contact.** The client calls the server URL without a token. The server replies 401 Unauthorized and points to its protected resource metadata.
2. **Discovery.** The client reads that metadata (RFC 9728). It learns which authorization server issues tokens for Inspire.
3. **Registration.** The client registers itself with the authorization server using Dynamic Client Registration (RFC 7591). It receives its own client ID.
4. **Sign-in.** The client opens a browser. You sign in to Inspire and approve access.
5. **Token exchange.** The client trades the sign-in result for an access token, using PKCE to protect the exchange.
6. **Connected.** The client sends the token with every request. It refreshes the token in the background when it expires. 
     1. The connection still needs to be renewed periodically, typically every 30 to 90 days. When it shows as disconnected, click it to reconnect.

Each server is a separate connection. Connecting Inspire MCP does not connect Inspire Actions MCP; add each one you want.

#### **Connect your MCP client**

Add each server as a remote MCP server, then sign in once per server. Menu names vary by client; look for "Add server", "Add connector" or "Custom connector".

1. **Open your client's MCP settings.** Choose the option to add a remote or custom MCP server.
2. **Add Inspire MCP.** 
     1. Name: Inspire MCP
     2. URL: https://gateway.inspiresoftware.com/usprod/mcp
     3. Transport: Streamable HTTP (if asked)
     4. Authentication: OAuth (if asked). Leave client ID and client secret blank.
3. **Save and connect.** The client contacts the server and opens a browser window.
4. **Sign in to Inspire.** Use your Microsoft work account (Microsoft Entra ID) credentials and approve the access request. If your organization federates Entra ID with Okta, complete the Okta sign-in when prompted. 
     1. If you see a message that admin approval is required, your Entra ID admin needs to complete the one-time consent before you can continue.
5. **Return to your client.** The browser shows that sign-in is complete. The server should now show as connected, with its tools listed.
6. **Add Inspire Actions MCP.** Repeat steps 2 to 5 with: 
     1. Name: Inspire Actions MCP
     2. URL: https://gateway.inspiresoftware.com/usprod/actions/mcp
7. **Test the connection.** Ask your assistant something simple, such as "What are my objectives this quarter?" It should answer with your Inspire data.

**Note**:  If your client asks for a client ID or secret and won't continue without one, it does not support Dynamic Client Registration. See Troubleshooting or reach out to Inspire for questions.

#### **Troubleshooting**

Most connection problems come from a mistyped URL, a client without OAuth or DCR support, or an expired sign-in.

| **Symptom** | **Likely cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Client asks for a client ID or secret | Client doesn't support Dynamic Client Registration | Use a client that supports DCR, or contact Inspire support |
| No browser window opens | Client doesn't support OAuth for remote servers, or a pop-up was blocked | Allow pop-ups for the client; confirm it supports OAuth |
| 404 Not Found | URL is mistyped or has extra characters | Re-enter the URL exactly, with no trailing slash |
| 401 Unauthorized after signing in | Sign-in did not finish, the token expired, or Inspire has not enabled your organization yet. | Disconnect the server and connect again.  If it continues after admin consent, contact Inspire support at **support@inspiresoftware.com** |
| Message that admin approval is required | Your organization requires admin consent for new apps | Ask your Entra ID admin to approve the Inspire MCP app for the organization. This is a one-time step and covers both servers. |
| Admin consent seems to fail, or no confirmation page appears | Consent went through, but the confirmation page did not load | In Microsoft Entra ID, go to Enterprise applications and look for Inspire Gateway. If it is listed, consent is complete. |
| 403 Forbidden | Your Inspire account lacks access to that data or action | Check your permissions with your Inspire administrator |
| Connected, but no tools listed | Connection dropped during setup | Remove the server, restart the client, and add it again |
| Assistant can read but not make changes | Only Inspire MCP is connected | Add Inspire Actions MCP |
| Answers show no data or the wrong data | Signed in with a personal Microsoft account, the wrong work account, or an email that doesn't match your Inspire account. | Disconnect and sign in with your organization's Microsoft work account that uses the same email as your Inspire account. |
| Answers come from sources other than Inspire. | The assistant is pulling from other connected sources | Tell the assistant to use only the Inspire MCP servers. In some clients you can set this in the agent instructions. |

Still stuck? Note the error message, the server URL and your client's name and version, then contact Inspire support at **support@inspiresoftware.com.**

#### **Security and getting help**

Your Microsoft password is never shared with the MCP client. The client holds only a short-lived access token tied to your account.

**Note: Issues specific to your organization’s environment, such as security policies, permissions or licensing, should go to your IT team first.**

For help, contact Inspire support at **support@inspiresoftware.com**, with your client's name, the server URL, and any error message.

- [Getting Started](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Overview](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/getting-started?hsLang=en#overview)
    - [Log in Process](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/getting-started?hsLang=en#log-in-process)
- [Home Page](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/home-page?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Widgets](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/home-page?hsLang=en#widgets)
- [MCP, AI Agent Chat & more AI Assistance](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/mcp-ai-agent-chat-more-ai-assistance?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [MCP](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/mcp-ai-agent-chat-more-ai-assistance?hsLang=en#mcp)
    - [AI Agents](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/mcp-ai-agent-chat-more-ai-assistance?hsLang=en#ai-agents)
    - [1-1](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/mcp-ai-agent-chat-more-ai-assistance?hsLang=en#1-1)
    - [Plan](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/mcp-ai-agent-chat-more-ai-assistance?hsLang=en#plan)
- [Corporate Strategy](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/corporate-strategy?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Administrators](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/corporate-strategy?hsLang=en#administrators)
    - [Best Practices](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/corporate-strategy?hsLang=en#best-practices)
    - [Corporate Strategy Filter](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/corporate-strategy?hsLang=en#corporate-strategy-filter)
    - [Checking in at the Corporate Strategy Level](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/corporate-strategy?hsLang=en#checking-in-at-the-corporate-strategy-level)
    - [Strategy List View](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/corporate-strategy?hsLang=en#strategy-list-view)
    - [Privacy Visibility](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/corporate-strategy?hsLang=en#privacy-visibility)
    - [Strategy Narratives](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/corporate-strategy?hsLang=en#strategy-narratives)
    - [Hierarchy](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/corporate-strategy?hsLang=en#hierarchy)
- [Objectives](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/objectives?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Overview](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/objectives?hsLang=en#overview)
    - [Individual Objectives](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/objectives?hsLang=en#individual-objectives)
    - [Team Objectives](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/objectives?hsLang=en#team-objectives)
    - [Managing Objectives](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/objectives?hsLang=en#managing-objectives)
    - [Step-by-Step Objective Builder](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/objectives?hsLang=en#step-by-step-objective-builder)
    - [FAQ: Objectives](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/objectives?hsLang=en#faq-objectives)
    - [Newsfeed](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/objectives?hsLang=en#newsfeed)
    - [Videos](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/objectives?hsLang=en#videos)
- [Plan](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/plan?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Overview](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/plan?hsLang=en#overview)
    - [Weekly Plan](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/plan?hsLang=en#weekly-plan)
    - [Tasks](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/plan?hsLang=en#tasks)
    - [Weekly Calendar](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/plan?hsLang=en#weekly-calendar)
    - [Daily Calendar](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/plan?hsLang=en#daily-calendar)
    - [FAQ: Plan](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/plan?hsLang=en#faq-plan)
    - [Adding Tasks with Inspire AI](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/plan?hsLang=en#adding-tasks-with-inspire-ai)
- [1-1](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/1-1?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Overview](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/1-1?hsLang=en#overview)
    - [Using 1-1 Successfully](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/1-1?hsLang=en#using-1-1-successfully)
    - [FAQ: 1-1](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/1-1?hsLang=en#faq-1-1)
- [Performance](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Overview](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#overview)
    - [Performance Agreement](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#performance-agreement)
    - [1-1 Execution](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#1-1-execution)
    - [Mid-Cycle Comments](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#mid-cycle-comments)
    - [Self-Assessment](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#self-assessment)
    - [360 Assessments](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#360-assessments)
    - [Appraisal](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#appraisal)
    - [Videos](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#videos)
    - [Downloading and Printing](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/performance?hsLang=en#downloading-and-printing)
- [Learning](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/learning?hsLang=en)
- [Recognition](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/recognition?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Giving](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/recognition?hsLang=en#giving)
    - [Viewing](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/recognition?hsLang=en#viewing)
    - [Redeeming](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/recognition?hsLang=en#redeeming)
    - [Transaction History and Points Balance](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/recognition?hsLang=en#transaction-history-and-points-balance)
    - [FAQ: Recognition](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/recognition?hsLang=en#faq-recognition)
- [Talent](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/talent?hsLang=en)
- [Dashboards](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/dashboards?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Widgets](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/dashboards?hsLang=en#widgets)
    - [FAQ: Dashboards](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/dashboards?hsLang=en#faq-dashboards)
- [Roles & Values](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/roles-values?hsLang=en)
- [Reports](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/reports?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [General](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/reports?hsLang=en#general)
    - [Custom](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/reports?hsLang=en#custom)
    - [Objectives](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/reports?hsLang=en#objectives)
    - [Organization](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/reports?hsLang=en#organization)
    - [Performance](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/reports?hsLang=en#performance)
    - [Recognition](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/reports?hsLang=en#recognition)
    - [User Activity](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/reports?hsLang=en#user-activity)
- [Inspire Mobile Interface](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/inspire-mobile-interface?hsLang=en)
- [Administration - Settings & General](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Initial Setup](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#initial-setup)
    - [HR Admin Role](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#hr-admin-role)
    - [User Management](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#user-management)
    - [Managing the Learning Management System](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#managing-the-learning-management-system)
    - [Managing Integrations](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#managing-integrations)
    - [Inspire Administrator Roles](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#inspire-administrator-roles)
    - [FAQ: Administrators](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#faq-administrators)
    - [Notifications](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#notifications)
    - [Manage Surveys](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-settings-general?hsLang=en#manage-surveys)
- [Administration - Performance](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-performance?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [FAQ: Performance (Administrator)](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-performance?hsLang=en#faq-performance-administrator)
    - [Administrators - Download Appraisals](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-performance?hsLang=en#administrators-download-appraisals)
- [Administration - Recognition](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-recognition?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [FAQ: Recognition Program & Awards (Administrator)](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-recognition?hsLang=en#faq-recognition-program-awards-administrator)
    - [FAQ: Recognition Budget (Administrator)](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/administration-recognition?hsLang=en#faq-recognition-budget-administrator)
- [Inspire Integration](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/inspire-integration?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Excel Integration](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/inspire-integration?hsLang=en#excel-integration)
    - [Slack Integration](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/inspire-integration?hsLang=en#slack-integration)
    - [CRM Integration](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/inspire-integration?hsLang=en#crm-integration)
    - [Tableau Integration](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/inspire-integration?hsLang=en#tableau-integration)
- [FAQs](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [General](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#general)
    - [Objectives](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#objectives)
    - [Plan](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#plan)
    - [1-1](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#1-1)
    - [Admin - Managing your Inspire Instance](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#admin-managing-your-inspire-instance)
    - [Admin - Recognition Program & Awards](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#admin-recognition-program-awards)
    - [Admin - Recognition Budget](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#admin-recognition-budget)
    - [Recognition](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#recognition)
    - [Admin- Performance](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#admin-performance)
    - [Performance FAQs](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#performance-faqs)
    - [DISC](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#disc)
    - [Notifications and Actions](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#notifications-and-actions)
    - [Getting Help](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/faqs?hsLang=en#getting-help)
- [Leading a Team OKR](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/leading-a-team-okr?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Team Objective Builder - Inspire](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/leading-a-team-okr?hsLang=en#team-objective-builder-inspire)
- [New Features](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/new-features?hsLang=en)
- [Appendix](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/appendix?hsLang=en)
- [Leadership Genius](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/leadership-genius?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [LG](https://help.inspiresoftware.com/en/leadership-genius?hsLang=en#lg)

- [Sign in](https://app.inspiresoftware.com/)
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  "telephone" : "",
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}
```