---
title: "URL Parameters"
description: "Deep links and auto-connect via query parameters"
icon: "link"
---

The Inspector supports URL query parameters for deep linking to a specific server or tab and for auto-connecting to a server on load.

## Parameters

| Parameter          | Purpose                                                                 | Values                                                                                            |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **server**         | Select a connected server by ID, or open and connect to a server by URL | Connection ID (URL) or HTTP(S) URL                                                                |
| **autoConnect**    | Open Inspector and connect to a server automatically                    | URL string or JSON config                                                                         |
| **tab**            | Open a specific tab                                                     | `tools`, `prompts`, `resources`, `chat`, `sampling`, `elicitation`, `notifications`, `playground` |
| **tunnelUrl**      | Tunnel subdomain or URL (preserved when navigating)                     | URL string                                                                                        |
| **embedded**       | Run Inspector in embedded mode (e.g. iframe)                            | `true`                                                                                            |
| **embeddedConfig** | Embedded mode styling (background, padding)                             | JSON string                                                                                       |

## server

Select an already-connected server by its connection ID (the server URL). If the value is an HTTP(S) URL and no matching connection exists, the Inspector treats it like **autoConnect**: it connects to that URL and then selects the server.

**Examples:**

```
# Select existing server by ID
/?server=https://mcp.example.com/mcp

# Open and connect to a new server (alias for autoConnect when not connected)
/?server=https://new-server.com/mcp
```

## autoConnect

Open the Inspector and connect to a server automatically. Use a plain URL or a JSON object for advanced options (name, auth, transport type, etc.).

**Plain URL:**

```
/?autoConnect=https://mcp.example.com/mcp
```

**JSON config** (URL-encode the value in the query string):

```json
{
  "url": "https://mcp.example.com/mcp",
  "name": "My Server",
  "transportType": "sse"
}
```

Supported JSON fields: `url` (required), `name`, `transportType` (`"http"` or `"sse"`), `connectionMode` (`"auto"`, `"direct"`, or `"proxy"`), `autoProxyFallback` (for a custom Auto fallback proxy), `connectionType` (`"Direct"` or `"Via Proxy"` for older links), `customHeaders`, `auth` (OAuth tokens), `requestTimeout`, `resetTimeoutOnProgress`, `maxTotalTimeout`.

<Tip>
  When passing a JSON object for **autoConnect**, URL-encode the value so
  special characters are valid in the query string.
</Tip>

## tab

Open the Inspector with a specific tab selected.

**Valid values:** `tools`, `prompts`, `resources`, `chat`, `sampling`, `elicitation`, `notifications`, `playground`

**Example:**

```
/?tab=tools
```

Combine with **server** or **autoConnect** to open a server and tab in one link:

```
/?server=https://mcp.example.com/mcp&tab=tools
```

## tunnelUrl

Used with the CLI tunnel; stores the tunnel subdomain or URL and is preserved when navigating. Typically set by the Inspector or CLI; you rarely need to set it manually.

## embedded

Run the Inspector in embedded mode (e.g. inside an iframe with reduced chrome).

**Example:**

```
/?embedded=true
```

## embeddedConfig

Optional JSON config for embedded mode styling. Use with **embedded=true**.

**Example** (URL-encoded):

```json
{ "backgroundColor": "#f5f5f5", "padding": "16px" }
```

## Example URLs

Open Inspector and auto-connect to a server:

```
https://inspector.mcp-use.com/inspect?autoConnect=https://your-server.com/mcp
```

Open Inspector, connect to a server, and show the Tools tab:

```
https://inspector.mcp-use.com/inspect?server=https://your-server.com/mcp&tab=tools
```
