How to connect the Dropbox Dash remote MCP server

Updated Mar 18, 2026

In this article

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This article describes a feature available to all Dropbox Dash users.

The Dropbox Dash remote MCP server makes it easy to connect Dropbox Dash directly within your favorite apps, so you can stay focused without switching tabs or interrupting your workflow.

Built on the open-source Model Context Protocol (MCP) standard, it provides a simple way to connect Dash with the tools you use every day. The Dash MCP server is ideal for:

  • Developers using IDEs like Cursor
  • Sales and support teams accessing live customer data
  • Anyone who needs quick access to Dash knowledge inside their daily apps

Available tools

Tools Description
dash_search Searches company content indexed by Dropbox Dash, with optional filters for file type
dash_read_document Retrieves document content and information for a specific document identified by the search.

Supported MCP clients

Dropbox MCP server supports Dynamic Client Registration for the following MCP clients:

  • ChatGPT  
  • Claude Code
  • Claude Web / Desktop
  • Cursor
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Notes:

How to connect to the Dropbox Dash MCP server

Dropbox Dash MCP server location: https://mcp.dropbox.com/dash

The setup steps vary depending on your MCP client.

Connect with Cursor

To set up the connector

  1. In Cursor, click Settings, then Cursor Settings.
  2. Click Tools and MCP, then New MCP Server.
  3. Copy the configuration below:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Dropbox Dash MCP": {
      "url": "https://mcp.dropbox.com/dash"
    }
   }
}

Connect with Claude Web/Desktop

Prerequisites

  • Access to the Claude Custom Connector (available on select Claude plans)

To set up the connector

  1. In Claude, click Settings, then Connectors.
  2. Click Add custom connector.
  3. Enter the following:
    • Name: Dropbox Dash MCP
    • Dash MCP server URL: https://mcp.dropbox.com/dash
  4. Click Add.

Connect with Claude Code (CLI)

Prerequisites

  • Claude Code CLI installed

To set up the connector

  • claude mcp add --transport http DropboxDashMCP https://mcp.dropbox.com/dash

Connect with ChatGPT Web

Prerequisites

  • Access to ChatGPT Developer Mode (available on certain plans)

To enable Developer Mode

  1. In ChatGPT, click Settings, then Apps & Connectors.
  2. Click Advanced settings.
  3. Toggle Developer mode to ON.
  4. Review the prompt about unverified connectors, then click Confirm.

To set up the connector

  1. In ChatGPT, click Settings, then Apps.
  2. Click Create app.
  3. Enter the following:
    • Name: Dropbox Dash MCP
    • MCP Server URL: https://mcp.dropbox.com/dash
    • Authentication: OAuth
  4. Check I understand and want to continue.
  5. Click Create.

Connect with ChatGPT Codex (CLI)

Prerequisites

To set up the connector

  1. Set the environment variable:

macOS / Linux

export DROPBOX_DASH_MCP_TOKEN="<your-access-token>"

Windows (PowerShell)

setx DROPBOX_DASH_MCP_TOKEN "<your-access-token>"

 2. Add the connector:

codex mcp add dropbox-dash-mcp \
--url https://mcp.dropbox.com/dash \
--bearer-token-env-var DROPBOX_DASH_MCP_TOKEN

3. Update the OAuth token.

Update the environment variable and restart Codex or your terminal:

macOS / Linux

export DROPBOX_DASH_MCP_TOKEN="<your-new-access-token>"

Windows

setx DROPBOX_DASH_MCP_TOKEN "<your-new-access-token>"

Connecting from other MCP clients

Before connecting to the MCP server, you need a Dropbox app to obtain API credentials. Follow the Dropbox app setup instructions.

Dropbox app setup

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Note: Your Dropbox admin may control whether you can register or connect apps. If you don’t see the option to create an app or connect Dropbox to another service, contact your team admin. Learn more about admin controls for app integrations.

  1. Go to the Dropbox App Console.
  2. Click Create app.
  3. Configure your app:
    • API: Scoped access
    • Access type: Full Dropbox
    • App name: Choose a unique name
  4. Click Permissions, then enable:
    • account_info.read
    • dash/content.read
    • dash/content.write
  5. Add OAuth 2 Redirect URIs for your MCP Client:
    • Check their documentation for specific OAuth2 redirect URIs.
    • This is sometimes obtained during the setup flow of connecting to MCP servers.
  6. Collect your credentials:
    • Click Settings.
    • Click Generate access token.
    • Copy your Access token.
      • Note: The access token is short-lived, so you’ll need to regenerate it when it expires.
    • Copy the App key.
    • Copy the App secret.
  7. Customize your app in Branding with a name, icon, and description (Optional).

FAQs about setting up the Dash MCP server

How secure is the connection?

Dropbox Dash MCP uses Dropbox OAuth for secure authentication. Your data stays protected under Dropbox’s existing privacy and security standards.

Do you have a local MCP server available?

The Dropbox Dash local MCP server is available. However, we recommend using the remote server as it’s easier to use and updated more frequently.

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