
How to add XcodeBuildMCP to Windsurf
Build, run, and debug iOS & macOS apps in Xcode from your AI coding agent. Paste the config into ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json and restart Windsurf.
Last updated June 14, 2026 · 6.0k★ · stdio · no auth
Windsurf config for XcodeBuildMCP
npm install -g xcodebuildmcp@latest{
"mcpServers": {
"xcodebuildmcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"xcodebuildmcp@latest",
"mcp"
]
}
}
}Setup steps
- 1Open Windsurf → Cascade → the hammer/MCP icon → Configure (or edit ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json).
- 2Paste the XcodeBuildMCP config below.
- 3Fill in placeholder secrets, then save.
- 4Click Refresh in the MCP panel.
- 5XcodeBuildMCP's tools become available to Cascade.
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 Windsurf
list_schemesDiscover valid build schemes for a project or workspace.
build_run_simBuild the scheme, install the resulting .app on a booted simulator, and launch it, capturing logs to a file.
build_run_deviceBuild, install, and launch the app on a connected physical device.
build_run_macosBuild, install, and launch a macOS app.
launch_app_simLaunch an already-installed app on a booted simulator.
launch_app_deviceLaunch an already-installed app on a connected physical device.
launch_mac_appLaunch 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 + Windsurf FAQ
Where is the Windsurf config file?
Windsurf reads MCP servers from ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json. Paste the XcodeBuildMCP config there under the "mcpServers" key and restart the client.
Is XcodeBuildMCP safe to use with Windsurf?
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.