ChatGPT MCP server setup guide

How to set up a remote MCP server so ChatGPT can work with your own computer or VPS.

MCP (Model Context Protocol) lets ChatGPT use external tools. A remote MCP server is one that runs on the internet, so ChatGPT web and mobile can reach it — unlike a local server that only works inside desktop apps on the same machine.

This guide walks through setting up Shellway, a remote MCP relay that connects ChatGPT to a computer you control.

How it works

You install a small agent on your computer or VPS.
The agent connects outward to Shellway's relay — no port forwarding or VPN needed.
You add https://mcp.getshellway.com/mcp as a connector in ChatGPT.
ChatGPT can now read files, run commands and manage processes on your machine.

Prerequisites

ChatGPT Plus or Team (for connector/plugin support).
Node.js 22+ on the computer you want to connect.
A Shellway account (free tier: 1 computer, 5,000 actions/month).

Installation

1. Create a Shellway account

Go to mcp.getshellway.com/dashboard and sign in with Google.

2. Pair your computer

Click Add computer, copy your pairing code and run:

npx shellway pair YOUR-CODE
npx shellway start

3. Add the MCP server in ChatGPT

Go to ChatGPT Settings → Apps & Connectors → Advanced settings → Developer mode. Add a new connector:

URL: https://mcp.getshellway.com/mcp
Authentication: OAuth

Test it

Open a new chat, enable Shellway from the + menu and type:

"What operating system is this computer running?"

ChatGPT will call the run_command tool with uname -a (or equivalent on Windows) and show you the result.

Available tools

Shellway provides 20 tools across four groups: run commands, read and write files, search, and list devices. See the full tool list.

Security

The agent runs as the user account you choose. It does not store your file contents or command output. Use --readonly to allow reading but not writing. Remove a computer from the dashboard at any time to cut access immediately.

Get started free — no card required →