Perplexity API Platform MCP Server

The official MCP server implementation for the Perplexity API Platform, providing AI assistants with real-time web search, reasoning, and research capabilities through Sonar models and the Search API.

Please refer to the official DeepWiki page for assistance with implementation.

Available Tools

perplexity_search

Direct web search using the Perplexity Search API. Returns ranked search results with metadata, perfect for finding current information.

perplexity_ask

General-purpose conversational AI with real-time web search using the sonar-pro model. Great for quick questions and everyday searches.

perplexity_research

Deep, comprehensive research using the sonar-deep-research model. Ideal for thorough analysis and detailed reports.

perplexity_reason

Advanced reasoning and problem-solving using the sonar-reasoning-pro model. Perfect for complex analytical tasks.

Configuration

Get Your API Key

1. Get your Perplexity API Key from the API Portal
2. Set it as an environment variable: PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here
3. (Optional) Set a timeout for requests: PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS=600000. The default is 5 minutes.

Claude Code

Run in your terminal:

claude mcp add perplexity --transport stdio --env PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here -- npx -y perplexity-mcp

Or add to your claude.json:

"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"perplexity-mcp"
],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS": "600000"
}
}
}

Cursor

Add to your mcp.json:

{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS": "600000"
}
}
}
}

Codex

Run in your terminal:

codex mcp add perplexity --env PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here -- npx -y @perplexity-ai/mcp-server

Claude Desktop

Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
"mcpServers": {
"perplexity": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@perplexity-ai/mcp-server"],
"env": {
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS": "600000"
}
}
}
}

Other MCP Clients

For any MCP-compatible client, use:

npx @perplexity-ai/mcp-server

Troubleshooting

• API Key Issues: Ensure PERPLEXITY_API_KEY is set correctly
• Connection Errors: Check your internet connection and API key validity
• Tool Not Found: Make sure the package is installed and the command path is correct
• Timeout Errors: For very long research queries, set PERPLEXITY_TIMEOUT_MS to a higher value

For support, visit community.perplexity.ai or file an issue.

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