How the Userplane MCP server authenticates AI clients using OAuth 2.1
The Userplane MCP server uses OAuth 2.1 for authentication. AI clients handle the OAuth flow automatically when you first connect. No API keys or manual token management required.
You add https://api.userplane.io/mcp to your AI client’s MCP settings.
2
First tool call triggers OAuth
When you ask your agent to do something that requires Userplane data, the client initiates the
OAuth flow.
3
Sign in via browser
A browser window opens. Sign in with your Userplane credentials.
4
Approve access
The consent screen shows the requesting client and the mcp:tools scope. Click Allow.
OAuth consent screen
5
Connection established
The client receives an access token and can make authenticated tool calls. Tokens refresh
automatically — you won’t need to sign in again unless you revoke access.
MCP tools respect the same workspace roles as the Userplane dashboard and REST API.
Capability
Required role
Read data (list, get, show)
Any workspace member
Create recording links
Any workspace member
Update recording links
Any workspace member
Delete recordings
Admin, Owner, or creator
Delete recording links
Admin, Owner, or creator
Your workspace role determines what operations are available through the MCP server. If you
receive a permission error, check your role in Workspace Settings >
Team.
Per-client registration — each AI client (Claude, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, ChatGPT) registers as a separate OAuth client. Revoking one client’s access does not affect others.
Token scoping — access tokens are scoped to mcp:tools and carry no broader permissions.
JWT verification — every request is verified against Userplane’s JWKS endpoint with issuer and audience checks.
No shared secrets — no API keys or client secrets are shared with the AI client. All clients use PKCE (public client flow).
Each authorized MCP client appears in your account’s Connected Apps list. From there you can review permissions, check authorization dates, and revoke access.To revoke a specific client’s access:
Locate the client and open the actions menu (three dots).
Select Revoke Access, type the application name to confirm, and click Revoke.
The client loses access immediately. Other connected clients are not affected.
For the full walkthrough including screenshots, see Connected Apps.
The Userplane REST API uses uspl_ API keys for authentication (see API
Authentication). The MCP server uses OAuth 2.1 instead — the two
authentication methods provide access to the same underlying resources through different
interfaces.