Setup ZeroBounce MCP in Visual Studio Code

Prerequisites

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

Install the ZeroBounce MCP server globally:

npm install -g @zerobounce/mcpCopy

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:

mcp-config.jsonCopy

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

Important: Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual ZeroBounce API key.

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

Try these commands in your AI client:

• "Validate the email \"test@example.com\""
• "Check if \"user@domain.com\" is valid"
• "How many credits do I have?"

Troubleshooting

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

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"

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

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