MCP Directory

How to add XcodeBuildMCP to Claude Desktop

Build, run, and debug iOS & macOS apps in Xcode from your AI coding agent. Paste the config into ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json and restart Claude Desktop.

Last updated June 14, 2026 · 6.0k★ · stdio · no auth

Claude Desktop config for XcodeBuildMCP

npm install -g xcodebuildmcp@latest
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "xcodebuildmcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "xcodebuildmcp@latest",
        "mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Setup steps

  1. 1Open Claude Desktop → Settings → Developer → Edit Config (this opens ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json).
  2. 2Paste the XcodeBuildMCP config below under the top-level "mcpServers" key.
  3. 3Fill in any placeholder secrets (API keys, paths) in the snippet.
  4. 4Save the file, then fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop.
  5. 5Open a chat and confirm XcodeBuildMCP's tools appear under the 🔌 tools menu.

Before you start

  • macOS 14.5 or later
  • Xcode 16.x or later
  • Node.js 18.x or later (not required for the Homebrew installation)
  • Code signing configured in Xcode for device-targeting tools

What XcodeBuildMCP can do in Claude Desktop

list_schemes

Discover valid build schemes for a project or workspace.

build_run_sim

Build the scheme, install the resulting .app on a booted simulator, and launch it, capturing logs to a file.

build_run_device

Build, install, and launch the app on a connected physical device.

build_run_macos

Build, install, and launch a macOS app.

launch_app_sim

Launch an already-installed app on a booted simulator.

launch_app_device

Launch an already-installed app on a connected physical device.

launch_mac_app

Launch a built macOS app.

Security

XcodeBuildMCP uses Sentry for internal runtime error telemetry only; see the project's Privacy & Telemetry docs for details and opt-out instructions. Device tools require code signing to be configured in Xcode.

XcodeBuildMCP + Claude Desktop FAQ

Where is the Claude Desktop config file?

Claude Desktop reads MCP servers from ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json. Paste the XcodeBuildMCP config there under the "mcpServers" key and restart the client.

Is XcodeBuildMCP safe to use with Claude Desktop?

XcodeBuildMCP uses Sentry for internal runtime error telemetry only; see the project's Privacy & Telemetry docs for details and opt-out instructions. Device tools require code signing to be configured in Xcode.

Does it support both iOS and macOS projects?

Yes. It provides tools for iOS simulators, physical iOS devices, and macOS apps.

Do I need to install it globally?

No. While you can install globally via Homebrew or npm, most MCP clients can run the server on demand with `npx -y xcodebuildmcp@latest mcp` without a global install.

Does it send any telemetry?

It uses Sentry for internal runtime error telemetry only. The project documents how to opt out in its Privacy & Telemetry page.

View repo Full XcodeBuildMCP page