MCP server setup

---
title: MCP server setup
description: Explore the complete MCP server setup process in configuring and introducing MCP servers via AI Gateway.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/intelligent-experiences/mcp-server-setup.html
release: australia
topic_type: concept
last_updated: "2026-09-10"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Working with MCP server records, Discover and manage AI assets, AI Control Tower, Establishing AI governance, Enable AI Experiences]
---

# MCP server setup

Explore the complete MCP server setup process in configuring and introducing MCP servers via AI Gateway.

Role required: sn\_ai\_governance.ai\_steward

The MCP server setup process consists of several key workflows:

1.  MCP server intake: The MCP server can be added in three different ways:
    -   Automatic discovery: Add an MCP server from AI Agent Studio.
    -   MCP Catalog: Add an MCP server from MCP Catalog.
    -   Manual registration: Add an MCP server manually from AI Control Tower.
2.  AI Steward playbook approval: The AI Steward moves the MCP server through the onboarding lifecycle.
3.  Client registration and AI Gateway setup: After the MCP server is approved, register the clients that connect to it through AI Gateway.