codex mcp list doesn't show the server

Check the [mcp_servers.traffic-creator] section in ~/.codex/config.toml.

Environment variable TRAFFIC_CREATOR_API_KEY … is not set

Set the key in the terminal Codex runs in, then restart Codex.

401 or "Unauthorized"

The key is wrong or was revoked.

MCP tool call requires approval, but approval policy is never

You run Codex without approvals (for example codex exec). Run it interactively, or allow the tool for this server.

API scope or server IP not permitted

The key is read only. Use a full-access key for changes.

Connect Codex to Traffic Creator

Codex (the CLI and the IDE extension) can read and manage your campaigns through the Traffic Creator MCP server. Both share the same settings file, ~/.codex/config.toml .

Option 1: With an API Key#

In the dashboard, open API & MCP and create a key (choose Read only if Codex should only report). See Create, use and revoke API keys.
Store the key in your shell as TRAFFIC_CREATOR_API_KEY, for example in ~/.zshrc:

export TRAFFIC_CREATOR_API_KEY="tgp_account_…"

Add this to ~/.codex/config.toml:

[mcp_servers.traffic-creator]
url = "https://traffic-creator.com/mcp"
bearer_token_env_var = "TRAFFIC_CREATOR_API_KEY"

Or run the same setup as one command:

codex mcp add traffic-creator --url https://traffic-creator.com/mcp \
  --bearer-token-env-var TRAFFIC_CREATOR_API_KEY

Open a new terminal and run codex mcp list: traffic-creator shows as enabled, with Bearer token under Auth. To check that Codex can actually reach it, start codex and type /mcp.

Add the server without a key:

codex mcp add traffic-creator --url https://traffic-creator.com/mcp

Codex detects the sign-in and opens the Traffic Creator sign-in in your browser. If it doesn't, run codex mcp login traffic-creator.

The app then appears under API & MCP → Connected apps, where you can disconnect it.

IDE Extension and ChatGPT Desktop App#

Both use the same ~/.codex/config.toml, so a server you added in the CLI is already there. To add it in the extension instead: open the gear menu, MCP servers → Add server, enter the name and the address with Streamable HTTP, save, restart the extension and click Authenticate. In the ChatGPT desktop app: Settings → MCP servers → Add server, same fields, save, click Restart, then Authenticate.

Apps you open from the Dock may not see variables from ~/.zshrc. If the key isn't picked up there, signing in is the simpler choice.

Try It#

Ask Codex, for example: "Show my Traffic Creator balance and my active campaigns."

By default, Codex asks for your approval before it uses a tool that changes something, such as creating or resuming a campaign. Creating and resuming spend credits, so check the cost preview first.

Remove It#

If you signed in, run codex mcp logout traffic-creator first. Then run codex mcp remove traffic-creator, and revoke the key under API & MCP → Your keys, or disconnect the app under Connected apps if you signed in.

Troubleshooting#

Problem	What to check
`codex mcp list` doesn't show the server	Check the `[mcp_servers.traffic-creator]` section in `~/.codex/config.toml`.
`Environment variable TRAFFIC_CREATOR_API_KEY … is not set`	Set the key in the terminal Codex runs in, then restart Codex.
401 or "Unauthorized"	The key is wrong or was revoked.
`MCP tool call requires approval, but approval policy is never`	You run Codex without approvals (for example `codex exec`). Run it interactively, or allow the tool for this server.
`API scope or server IP not permitted`	The key is read only. Use a full-access key for changes.

More: Fix problems with AI assistants and the API.