> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alpha.isaree.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use a local MCP server

> Get your Mac ready for a local MCP server and install it from the Isa Hub — no technical background needed.

A [local MCP server](/concepts/local-vs-remote-mcp-servers) is a small program Isa runs on your own Mac. Before it can start, your Mac needs the helper tool that fetches and runs the server's package. This guide walks you through checking for that tool, installing it if it's missing, and installing the server in Isa.

## Prerequisites

* A Mac that runs Isa — Apple Silicon, macOS 26 or later (see [Hardware requirements](/help/hardware-requirements))
* The server you want carries the **Local** badge in the [Isa Hub](/isa/browse-hub) or on the [Community Hub](https://alpha.isaree.ai/en/community)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find out which helper tool the server needs">
    Open the server's page and look at the command it runs — for example `npx -y apple-mail-mcp`. The first word of the command names the helper tool:

    | The command starts with | Your Mac needs     |
    | ----------------------- | ------------------ |
    | `npx`                   | Node.js            |
    | `uvx`                   | uv (a Python tool) |

    Most local servers use `npx`, so the rest of this guide uses Node.js as the example.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check whether it's already installed">
    Open **Terminal** — press `⌘ Space`, type `Terminal`, and press Return. Then run:

    ```
    node --version
    ```

    For uv, run `uvx --version` instead.

    <Check>
      A version number like `v22.14.0` means the tool is installed — skip ahead to the last step.
    </Check>

    `command not found` means it's missing — continue to the next step.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install the missing tool">
    Node.js is free. Download the macOS installer from [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) and run it like any other installer. For uv, follow the install instructions at [docs.astral.sh/uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv).

    When the installer finishes, open a new Terminal window and run the check from the previous step again to confirm.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install the server in Isa">
    Open the server in the [Isa Hub](/isa/browse-hub), fill in the values it asks for — a folder to work in, an account, a key — and install it. Its tools become available to the [Primary Agent](/isa/primary-agent) in [Patient Chat](/isa/patient-chat): just ask for something the server can do.

    The first time the server starts, the helper tool downloads its package, so the first request needs an internet connection and takes a moment longer.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Local vs. remote MCP servers" icon="laptop" href="/concepts/local-vs-remote-mcp-servers">
    Understand where an MCP server runs and what that means for your data.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Isa Hub" icon="magnifying-glass" href="/isa/browse-hub">
    Browse and install everything the community has published.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Patient Chat" icon="user-doctor" href="/isa/patient-chat">
    Put the server's tools to work with the Primary Agent.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>