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Setup ZeroBounce MCP in Visual Studio Code

Complete setup guide for using ZeroBounce MCP server in VS Code.

Prerequisites

  • Node.js installed (verify with node --version)
  • ZeroBounce API key from ZeroBounce Dashboard
  • VS Code installed and ready to configure

Installation

Install the ZeroBounce MCP server globally:

npm install git+https://github.com/zerobounce/zerobounce-mcp.git

Configuration

1

Install MCP Extension

Open VS Code, press Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+X (macOS), search for "Model Context Protocol" or "MCP" and install the official MCP extension

2

Open Command Palette

Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (macOS)

3

Add MCP Server

Type "MCP: Add Server" and select it from the list

4

Choose Settings Location

Select whether to add the server for the current workspace or globally for your user

5

Paste Configuration

Copy and paste the configuration JSON, replacing YOUR_API_KEY with your actual ZeroBounce API key

6

Save Configuration

The MCP server should now be available in VS Code

Configuration JSON:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "zerobounce": {
      "command": "zerobounce-mcp",
      "args": ["--api-key=YOUR_API_KEY"]
    }
  }
}

⚠️ Important: Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual ZeroBounce API key

Verifying Installation

  1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
  2. Type and select "MCP: List Available Tools"
  3. Look for ZeroBounce tools in the list
  4. Try a test command: "How many ZeroBounce credits do I have?"

Usage Examples

Validate the email "[email protected]"
Check if "[email protected]" is valid
How many credits do I have?

Troubleshooting

Problem: MCP Extension Not Found

  • Search for "Model Context Protocol" in the Extensions marketplace
  • Ensure you're using an up-to-date version of VS Code
  • Check that extensions are not blocked by your organization's policy

Problem: Server Not Appearing

  • Verify Node.js is installed: run `node --version` in integrated terminal
  • Check MCP extension is enabled (Extensions → MCP → Enabled)
  • Restart VS Code completely
  • View MCP logs via Command Palette → "MCP: Show Logs"

Problem: Invalid API Key

  • Double-check your API key at ZeroBounce Dashboard
  • Ensure no extra spaces or characters in the configuration
  • Verify the API key hasn't expired
  • Try regenerating your API key

Problem: Connection Errors

  • Check your internet connection
  • Verify firewall allows api.zerobounce.net
  • Check proxy settings in VS Code (File → Preferences → Settings → Proxy)
  • Disable VPN temporarily to test

Get Your API Key

Your ZeroBounce API key is available in the ZeroBounce dashboard:

  1. Sign in to your ZeroBounce account
  2. Navigate to the API / Developer or Integrations section
  3. Create or copy an API key for this integration
  4. Use different keys for development, staging, and production when possible
Get API Key →