AI tools and cPanel MCP: troubleshooting FAQ

AI tools and cPanel MCP: troubleshooting FAQ

Common problems when connecting Claude, ChatGPT Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI, Windsurf and other AI tools to your Hoopla Hosting cPanel account, and how to fix them.

I can't find "Connections" or "Link WebPros Account" in cPanel

• Make sure you're using the Meridian theme. In the older cPanel theme, click Try new Meridian Theme at the top of the page.
• Click your profile icon (top right) and open Profile → Connections, or type "Connections" into the cPanel search bar.
• If it's still missing, open a support ticket and we'll check the feature is enabled on your account.

"Invalid client", "unauthorized_client" or "client not found"

• Copy the Client ID from Profile → Connections again. Check there are no spaces at the start or end.
• Make sure you pasted it into the Client ID field, not the Client Secret field.
• If you unlinked and re-linked WebPros, you'll have a new Client ID. Update it in your AI tool.
• In VS Code, remove the old entry under Accounts → Manage Dynamic Authentication Providers and sign in again.

The browser sign-in page doesn't open

• Look for a link in your AI tool that you can copy into your browser manually.
• Check a pop-up blocker isn't stopping the page.
• For command-line tools (Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI), approve the sign-in in a browser on the same computer. The sign-in returns to a local address on that computer, so it won't work from a phone or a different machine.

Sign-in worked, but the tool shows as disconnected or failed

• Fully close and reopen the AI tool, then check its MCP list again.
• Re-authenticate: /mcp in Claude Code, codex mcp login webpros-mcp in Codex, /mcp auth webpros-mcp in Gemini CLI, or Connect in Cursor / Claude settings.
• Check the server address is exactly https://mcp.webpros.com/api/mcp
• If nothing works, remove the server and add it again with a freshly copied Client ID.

The AI says it can't find any cPanel tools

• Make sure the connection is switched on for your current chat (in Claude: + → Connectors; in VS Code: Agent mode → tools icon).
• Mention the connection by name in your request, for example "Using the webpros-mcp connection, …".
• Some tools try to use SSH instead. Tell the AI to use the MCP connection rather than SSH.

My config file isn't being picked up

• Check the file is valid JSON: matching braces, commas between entries and straight double quotes ("), not curly quotes.
• Each tool uses slightly different keys:
  • Cursor: mcpServers → url → auth.CLIENT_ID
  • VS Code: servers → type: "http" → url
  • Gemini CLI: mcpServers → httpUrl → oauth.clientId
  • Windsurf: mcpServers → serverUrl → headers.Authorization
• Save the file and restart or refresh the tool.

Windsurf (or another tool using an MCP key) returns 401 Unauthorized

• Check the header reads Bearer YOUR_KEY, with the word Bearer and one space.
• Check the key hasn't been deleted in the WebPros Dashboard under Profile → API and MCP.
• Make sure the key's scope includes your cPanel account, and that cPanel is linked to the same WebPros account.

Deployment fails or the site shows an error

• MCP deployment supports Node.js apps on AI App Hosting. WordPress and plain PHP sites can't be deployed this way.
• Check AI App Hosting is available on your hosting plan. Contact us if you're unsure.
• "Build output directory not found": the build worked, but Meridian couldn't find the finished files. Vite and React usually use dist. Set the correct folder in the app's deployment settings in Meridian.
• App starts then crashes: check any required environment variables are set in Websites → Manage → App Env. Don't set PORT yourself, as cPanel manages it.
• If you have several domains, name the exact domain in your request.

How do I disconnect an AI tool?

• Remove the server from the AI tool's MCP settings or config file.
• In cPanel, go to Profile → Connections and unlink or revoke the WebPros / MCP connection. This stops access for all tools straight away.
• If you used an MCP key, delete it in the WebPros Dashboard under Profile → API and MCP.

Still stuck?

Open a support ticket and tell us which AI tool and version you're using, the exact error message, and what step you're on. Please don't include your Client ID or MCP key in the ticket.