perplexityai/modelcontextprotocol
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An MCP server implementation that integrates the Sonar API to provide Claude with unparalleled real-time, web-wide research.
Perplexity API Platform MCP Server
The official MCP server implementation for the Perplexity API Platform, providing AI assistants with real-time web search, reasoning, and research capabilities through Sonar models and the Search API.
Available Tools
perplexity_search
Direct web search using the Perplexity Search API. Returns ranked search results with metadata, perfect for finding current information.
perplexity_ask
General-purpose conversational AI with real-time web search using the sonar-pro model. Great for quick questions and everyday searches.
perplexity_research
Deep, comprehensive research using the sonar-deep-research model. Ideal for thorough analysis and detailed reports.
perplexity_reason
Advanced reasoning and problem-solving using the sonar-reasoning-pro model. Perfect for complex analytical tasks.
[!TIP] Available as an optional parameter for perplexity_reason and perplexity_research:
strip_thinkingSet to
trueto remove<think>...</think>tags from the response, saving context tokens. Default:false
Configuration
Get Your API Key
- Get your Perplexity API Key from the API Portal
- Set it as an environment variable:
PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here - (Optional) Set a timeout for requests:
PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS=600000. The default is 5 minutes.
Claude Code
Option 1: Install via Plugin (Recommended)
The easiest way to get started with Perplexity in Claude Code, set your API key:
export PERPLEXITY_API_KEY="your_key_here"
Then:
# Open Claude Code
claude
# Add the Perplexity marketplace
/plugin marketplace add perplexityai/modelcontextprotocol
# Install the plugin
/plugin install perplexity
Option 2: Manual Configuration
Run in your terminal:
claude mcp add perplexity --transport stdio --env PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here -- npx -y perplexity-mcp
Or add to your claude.json:
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"perplexity-mcp"
],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS": "600000"
}
}
}
Cursor / VS Code
Add to your mcp.json (Cursor) or .vscode/mcp.json (VS Code):
{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS": "600000"
}
}
}
}
Or use the one-click install badges at the top of this README.
Codex
Run in your terminal:
codex mcp add perplexity --env PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here -- npx -y @perplexity-ai/mcp-server
Claude Desktop
Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS": "600000"
}
}
}
}
Other MCP Clients
For any MCP-compatible client, use:
npx @perplexity-ai/mcp-server
Proxy Setup (For Corporate Networks)
If you are running this server at work—especially behind a company firewall or proxy—you may need to tell the program how to send its internet traffic through your network's proxy. Follow these steps:
1. Get your proxy details
- Ask your IT department for your HTTPS proxy address and port.
- You may also need a username and password.
2. Set the proxy environment variable
The easiest and most reliable way for Perplexity MCP is to use PERPLEXITY_PROXY. For example:
export PERPLEXITY_PROXY=https://your-proxy-host:8080
If your proxy needs a username and password, use:
export PERPLEXITY_PROXY=https://username:password@your-proxy-host:8080
3. Alternate: Standard environment variables
If you'd rather use the standard variables, we support HTTPS_PROXY and HTTP_PROXY.
[!NOTE] The server checks proxy settings in this order:
PERPLEXITY_PROXY→HTTPS_PROXY→HTTP_PROXY. If none are set, it connects directly to the internet. URLs must includehttps://. Typical ports are8080,3128, and80.
Troubleshooting
- API Key Issues: Ensure
PERPLEXITY_API_KEYis set correctly - Connection Errors: Check your internet connection and API key validity
- Tool Not Found: Make sure the package is installed and the command path is correct
- Timeout Errors: For very long research queries, set
PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MSto a higher value - Proxy Issues: Verify your
PERPLEXITY_PROXYorHTTPS_PROXYsetup and ensureapi.perplexity.aiisn't blocked by your firewall.
For support, visit community.perplexity.ai or file an issue.
