MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets AI assistants use tools. With an MCP connection, Claude or ChatGPT can draft posts, update pages or answer questions about your site, within the permissions you grant. Automattic's older wordpress-mcp plugin was archived in September 2026, so don't use it. Use one of the routes below.
What you need
- An MCP-capable AI app: Claude (desktop or Claude Code), ChatGPT with apps on an eligible plan, Cursor, or VS Code.
- A WordPress site, either on WordPress.com, Jetpack-connected, or self-hosted on WordPress 6.9+.
- A backup or staging copy of your site before you allow write access.
Pick your route
- WordPress.com site, or a self-hosted site with Jetpack: use the WordPress.com MCP server. It's the easiest.
- Self-hosted, developer-friendly: the official MCP Adapter plugin.
- Self-hosted, simplest UI: a plugin with a built-in MCP server, such as AI Engine, Uncanny Automator, AI Puffer or AIOSEO.
Route 1: WordPress.com MCP server
- Enable MCP in your WordPress.com account at my.wordpress.com/me/preferences/mcp. One connection covers all your sites.
- Claude Desktop: add WordPress.com from the Connectors directory. Claude Code: run
claude mcp add --transport http wpcom-mcp https://public-api.wordpress.com/wpcom/v2/mcp/v1, then run/mcpto sign in through your browser. - ChatGPT: add the WordPress app inside ChatGPT. Cursor: run
/add-plugin wordpress-comin Cursor chat. - When authorising, choose Read only to start. You can switch to full access, or toggle individual tools, later.
MCP is included on paid WordPress.com plans. Free WordPress.com sites and Jetpack sites without a paid AI plan can use it free only until November 30, 2026.
Route 2: Jetpack (self-hosted)
- Install Jetpack and connect it to WordPress.com.
- Open Jetpack AI in the Jetpack menu.
- Add WordPress in ChatGPT or Claude and sign in with the same WordPress.com account. Read-only and approval options are available.
Route 3: official MCP Adapter (self-hosted)
- Install the MCP Adapter plugin, or turn on the official AI plugin's MCP Access feature, which installs it and adds Tools > MCP Access.
- Your HTTP endpoint is
https://your-site.com/wp-json/mcp/mcp-adapter-default-server. - Create an Application Password under Users > Profile. Never use your real login password.
- Configure your AI client, for example with the
@automattic/mcp-wordpress-remoteproxy and the environment variablesWP_API_URL(the endpoint),WP_API_USERNAMEandWP_API_PASSWORD(the application password). On a local site you can use WP-CLI instead:wp mcp-adapter serve --server=mcp-adapter-default-server --user=admin. - Only abilities that plugins mark as public are available. The default tools let the assistant discover abilities, get information about them and run them.
The MCP Adapter is pre-1.0 and had breaking changes in version 0.7.0. Pin a version on important sites.
Route 4: AI Engine's built-in MCP server
- Install AI Engine (MCP is on by default in new installs).
- Open the MCP tab, click Connect, choose Claude, ChatGPT, Claude Code or Other, and follow the instructions shown.
Stay safe
- Start with read-only access, and grant write access only when you need it.
- Test on a staging site first and keep backups. Write tools change your live site.
- Use Application Passwords, and revoke them when you stop using a client.
FAQ
Is MCP safe for WordPress?
It's as safe as the permissions you grant. Use read-only mode first, give the assistant its own WordPress user with limited permissions where possible, and keep backups.
Do I need to be a developer?
No, for WordPress.com, Jetpack or AI Engine. The MCP Adapter route is more technical.