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XcodeBuildMCP for Claude Code: Setup & Config

XcodeBuildMCP provides an MCP server and CLI for Claude Code working on iOS and macOS projects.

What you can do with XcodeBuildMCP in Claude Code

Choose it for Xcode agent tooling available through either MCP or a unified terminal CLI.

  • Connect an AI coding agent to iOS and macOS development tools.
  • Install agent guidance for MCP or direct CLI workflows.

Before you start: XcodeBuildMCP in Claude Code

  • macOS 14.5 or newer
  • Xcode 16.x or newer
  • Node.js 18.x or newer for the npm/npx method
  • Xcode code signing for device tools

The mcp subcommand starts the server. The init subcommand installs agent skills rather than starting the server. Homebrew provides an alternative installation without Node.js.

XcodeBuildMCP Claude Code configuration

  1. Choose Claude Code configuration scope

    For XcodeBuildMCP, open Project scope: .mcp.json at the repository root. Project JSON: merge into mcpServers; user scope: use the CLI.

  2. Add XcodeBuildMCP to Claude Code

    Use the XcodeBuildMCP entry below in mcpServers. Keep XcodeBuildMCP's documented stdio connection fields and your other Claude Code entries.

  3. Check XcodeBuildMCP in Claude Code

    XcodeBuildMCP: Inspect claude mcp list and /mcp status.

Config file · Project scope: .mcp.json at the repository root

JSON
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "XcodeBuildMCP": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "xcodebuildmcp@latest",
        "mcp"
      ],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

CLI (POSIX shell)
claude mcp add-json --scope project 'XcodeBuildMCP' '{"type":"stdio","command":"npx","args":["-y","xcodebuildmcp@latest","mcp"],"env":{}}'

Troubleshooting XcodeBuildMCP in Claude Code

  • If XcodeBuildMCP fails to start, check npx xcodebuildmcp@latest (Node.js/npm), the working directory, and Claude Code's selected scope; inspect claude mcp list and /mcp.
  • XcodeBuildMCP uses stdio here: Claude Code must keep the configured process running; protocol output belongs on stdout and diagnostics on stderr.
  • Known limitation: Requires macOS 14.5 or newer and Xcode 16.x or newer.
  • Known limitation: Device tools need Xcode code signing configured.
  • Known limitation: Runtime error telemetry is present; opt-out details are linked separately.
  • General Claude Code troubleshooting lives in the /clients/claude-code guide.

XcodeBuildMCP — details. Claude Code guide

Frequently asked questions

Register XcodeBuildMCP with the displayed claude mcp add-json --scope project command, or merge the JSON into .mcp.json at the repository root.

Claude Code's XcodeBuildMCP example uses stdio.

XcodeBuildMCP's Claude Code configuration invokes npx xcodebuildmcp@latest (Node.js/npm).

The README requires macOS 14.5 or later and Xcode 16.x or later.

Configure Xcode code signing before using the device tools.

The README says Sentry is used for internal runtime error telemetry and links to privacy and opt-out information.