add GitHub MCP server remote PAT instructions for JetBrains, Xcode, Eclipse (#56405)

saritai · Copilot · hubwriter · web-flow · commit 265982c95b09 · 2025-07-03T14:25:02.000Z
Co-authored-by: Copilot &lt;175728472+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com&gt;
Co-authored-by: hubwriter &lt;hubwriter@github.com&gt;
diff --git a/content/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/using-the-github-mcp-server.md b/content/copilot/how-tos/context/model-context-protocol/using-the-github-mcp-server.md
@@ -14,8 +14,15 @@ redirect_from:
 >[!NOTE]
 > The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server is currently in {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %} and subject to change.
 
+{% vscode %}
+
 {% data reusables.copilot.mcp.about-github-mcp-server %}
 
+## Prerequisites
+
+* A {% data variables.product.github %} account.
+* {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, or another MCP-compatible editor.
+
 ## Setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}
 
 The instructions below guide you through setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}. Other MCP-compatible editors may have similar steps, but the exact process may vary.
@@ -187,13 +194,201 @@ The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server enables you to perform a wide
 {% data reusables.copilot.open-chat-vs-code %}
 {% data reusables.copilot.select-agent %}
 1. To see the available actions, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the **Select tools** icon.
-    * In the **Tools** dropdown, under **MCP Server:{% data variables.product.github %}**, you will see a list of available actions.
+    * In the **Tools** dropdown, under **MCP Server: {% data variables.product.github %}**, you will see a list of available actions.
+1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, type a command or question related to the action you want to perform, and press **Enter**.
+    * For example, you can ask the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server to create a new issue, list pull requests, or retrieve repository information.
+1. The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server will process your request and provide a response in the chat interface.
+    * In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, you may be asked to give additional permissions or provide more information to complete the action.
+1. Follow the prompts to complete the action.
+
+{% endvscode %}
+
+{% jetbrains %}
+
+{% data reusables.copilot.mcp.about-github-mcp-server %}
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+* **Access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
+* **A compatible JetBrains IDE**. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} is compatible with the following IDEs:
+
+  {% data reusables.copilot.jetbrains-compatible-ides %}
+{% data reusables.copilot.jetbrains-plugin-prerequisites %}
+
+## Setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in JetBrains IDEs
+
+The instructions below guide you through setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in JetBrains IDEs. Other MCP-compatible editors may have similar steps, but the exact process may vary.
+
+We recommend setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server remotely. JetBrains IDEs only support using a {% data variables.product.pat_generic %} (PAT) for authentication with the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server.
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> If you are an {% data variables.product.prodname_emu %} with PAT restrictions, you won't be able to use PAT authentication.
+
+For information on setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server locally, see the [GitHub MCP server repository](https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server#usage-in-other-mcp-hosts-1).
+
+### Remote MCP server configuration with PAT
+
+To configure the remote {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server with a PAT, ensure you have created a PAT with the necessary scopes for the access you want to grant to the MCP server. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/authentication/keeping-your-account-and-data-secure/creating-a-personal-access-token).
+
+1. In the lower right corner, click **{% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %}**.
+1. From the menu, select "Edit settings".
+1. Under the MCP section, click "Edit in `mcp.json`".
+1. Add the following configuration, replacing `YOUR_GITHUB_PAT` with the PAT you created:
+
+  ```json copy
+    {
+      "servers": {
+          "github": {
+              "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/",
+              "requestInit": {
+                  "headers": {
+                      "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"
+                  }
+              }
+          }
+      }
+    }
+  ```
+
+## Using the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in JetBrains IDEs
+
+The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server enables you to perform a wide range of actions on {% data variables.product.github %}, via {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in JetBrains IDEs.
+
+1. Open the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} window by clicking the **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %}** icon at the right side of the JetBrains IDE window.
+
+   ![Screenshot of the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %} icon in the Activity Bar.](/assets/images/help/copilot/jetbrains-copilot-chat-icon.png)
+1. At the top of the chat panel, click the **Agent** tab.
+1. To see the available actions, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the tools icon.
+    * Under **MCP Server: {% data variables.product.github %}**, you will see a list of available actions.
 1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, type a command or question related to the action you want to perform, and press **Enter**.
     * For example, you can ask the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server to create a new issue, list pull requests, or retrieve repository information.
 1. The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server will process your request and provide a response in the chat interface.
     * In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, you may be asked to give additional permissions or provide more information to complete the action.
 1. Follow the prompts to complete the action.
 
+{% endjetbrains %}
+
+{% xcode %}
+
+{% data reusables.copilot.mcp.about-github-mcp-server %}
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+* **Access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}**. {% data reusables.copilot.subscription-prerequisite %}
+* **{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} for Xcode extension**. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/configuring-github-copilot/installing-the-github-copilot-extension-in-your-environment).
+
+## Setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in Xcode
+
+The instructions below guide you through setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in Xcode. Other MCP-compatible editors may have similar steps, but the exact process may vary.
+
+We recommend setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server remotely. Xcode only supports using a {% data variables.product.pat_generic %} (PAT) for authentication with the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server.
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> If you are an {% data variables.product.prodname_emu %} with PAT restrictions, you won't be able to use PAT authentication.
+
+For information on setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server locally, see the [GitHub MCP server repository](https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server#usage-in-other-mcp-hosts-1).
+
+### Remote MCP server configuration with PAT
+
+To configure the remote {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server with a PAT, ensure you have created a PAT with the necessary scopes for the access you want to grant to the MCP server. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/authentication/keeping-your-account-and-data-secure/creating-a-personal-access-token).
+
+1. Open the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} for Xcode extension.
+1. In agent mode, click the tools icon.
+1. Select "Edit config".
+1. Add the following configuration, replacing `YOUR_GITHUB_PAT` with the PAT you created:
+
+```json copy
+  {
+    "servers": {
+        "github": {
+            "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/",
+            "requestInit": {
+                "headers": {
+                    "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+  }
+```
+  
+## Using the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in Xcode
+
+The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server enables you to perform a wide range of actions on {% data variables.product.github %}, via {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in Xcode.
+
+1. To open the chat view, click **Editor** in the menu bar, then click **{% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %} {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}** then **Open Chat**. {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} opens in a new window.
+1. At the bottom of the chat panel, select **Agent**.
+1. To see the available actions, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the tools icon.
+    * Under **MCP Server: {% data variables.product.github %}**, you will see a list of available actions.
+1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, type a command or question related to the action you want to perform, and press **Enter**.
+    * For example, you can ask the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server to create a new issue, list pull requests, or retrieve repository information.
+1. The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server will process your request and provide a response in the chat interface.
+    * In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, you may be asked to give additional permissions or provide more information to complete the action.
+1. Follow the prompts to complete the action.
+
+{% endxcode %}
+
+{% eclipse %}
+
+{% data reusables.copilot.mcp.about-github-mcp-server %}
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+{% data reusables.copilot.eclipse-prerequisites %}
+* **Latest version of the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} extension**. Download this from the [Eclipse Marketplace](https://aka.ms/copiloteclipse). For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/managing-copilot/configure-personal-settings/installing-the-github-copilot-extension-in-your-environment?tool=eclipse).
+* **Sign in to {% data variables.product.company_short %} from Eclipse**.
+
+## Setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in Eclipse
+
+The instructions below guide you through setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in Eclipse. Other MCP-compatible editors may have similar steps, but the exact process may vary.
+
+We recommend setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server remotely. Eclipse only supports using a {% data variables.product.pat_generic %} (PAT) for authentication with the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server.
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> If you are an {% data variables.product.prodname_emu %} with PAT restrictions, you won't be able to use PAT authentication.
+
+For information on setting up the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server locally, see the [GitHub MCP server repository](https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server#usage-in-other-mcp-hosts-1).
+
+### Remote MCP server configuration with PAT
+
+To configure the remote {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server with a PAT, ensure you have created a PAT with the necessary scopes for the access you want to grant to the MCP server. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/authentication/keeping-your-account-and-data-secure/creating-a-personal-access-token).
+
+1. To open the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} panel, click the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} icon ({% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %}) in the status bar at the bottom of Eclipse.
+1. From the menu, select "Edit preferences".
+1. In the left pane, expand {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} and click **MCP**.
+1. Add the following configuration, replacing `YOUR_GITHUB_PAT` with the PAT you created:
+
+  ```json copy
+    {
+      "servers": {
+          "github": {
+              "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/",
+              "requestInit": {
+                  "headers": {
+                      "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_GITHUB_PAT"
+                  }
+              }
+          }
+      }
+    }
+  ```
+
+## Using the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server in Eclipse
+
+The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server enables you to perform a wide range of actions on {% data variables.product.github %}, via {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in Eclipse.
+
+1. To open the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} panel, click the {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} icon ({% octicon "copilot" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="copilot" %}) in the status bar at the bottom of Eclipse, then click **Open Chat**.
+1. At the bottom of the chat panel, select **Agent** from the mode dropdown.
+1. To see the available actions, in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, click the tools icon.
+    * Under `github`, you will see a list of available actions.
+1. In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, type a command or question related to the action you want to perform, and press **Enter**.
+    * For example, you can ask the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server to create a new issue, list pull requests, or retrieve repository information.
+1. The {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server will process your request and provide a response in the chat interface.
+    * In the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box, you may be asked to give additional permissions or provide more information to complete the action.
+1. Follow the prompts to complete the action.
+
+{% endeclipse %}
+
 {% data reusables.copilot.mcp.troubleshooting-mcp-server %}
 
 ## Further reading
diff --git a/data/reusables/copilot/mcp/about-github-mcp-server.md b/data/reusables/copilot/mcp/about-github-mcp-server.md
@@ -20,11 +20,6 @@ Running the {% data variables.product.github %} MCP server locally requires a bi
 
 There is currently broad support for local MCP servers in clients such as {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, JetBrains IDEs, XCode, and others.
 
-Support for remote MCP servers is growing, with editors like {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} (with OAuth or PAT), {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} (PAT only), Windsurf (PAT only), and Cursor (PAT only) already providing this functionality.
+Support for remote MCP servers is growing, with editors like {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %} (with OAuth or PAT), {% data variables.product.prodname_vs %} (PAT only), JetBrains IDEs (PAT only), Xcode (PAT only), Eclipse (PAT only), Windsurf (PAT only), and Cursor (PAT only) already providing this functionality.
 
 To find out if your preferred editor supports remote MCP servers, check the documentation for your specific editor.
-
-## Prerequisites
-
-* A {% data variables.product.github %} account.
-* {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}, or another MCP-compatible editor.
diff --git a/data/reusables/copilot/mcp/troubleshooting-mcp-server.md b/data/reusables/copilot/mcp/troubleshooting-mcp-server.md
@@ -10,13 +10,13 @@ If you are having trouble authorizing the MCP server, ensure that:
 
 If you are authenticating with a {% data variables.product.pat_generic %} (PAT), ensure that:
 * Your GitHub PAT is valid and has the necessary scopes for the actions you want to perform.
-* You have entered the correct PAT when prompted in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}.
+* You have entered the correct PAT.
 
 ### Copilot agent mode problems
 
 If you are having trouble with the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} agent mode, ensure that:
 * You have selected the correct agent in the {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} box.
-* You have configured the MCP server correctly in {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode %}.
+* You have configured the MCP server correctly in your IDE.
 * You have the necessary permissions to perform the actions you are trying to execute.
 
 ### General tips
