Connect guide · VS Code

Connect Google Search Console and GA4 to VS Code

Direct answer

In VS Code, the Command Palette command MCP: Add Server connects Search Console and GA4 to GitHub Copilot's agent mode. Choose HTTP, paste https://mcp.rankgaroo.com/mcp, give the server an ID, and pick where to save it. VS Code then registers with Rankgaroo and opens a browser for Google sign-in. You can also edit .vscode/mcp.json by hand. All five tools are read-only, and you can untick either Google permission.

Steps from VS Code's docs, checked 2026-10-25. Rankgaroo is in private beta: join the list to get access.

Connector URL

https://mcp.rankgaroo.com/mcp

Steps

Open the Command Palette and run MCP: Add Server. Alternatively run Chat: Open Customizations, then choose MCP Servers > Add Server.
Choose HTTP (HTTP or Server-Sent Events).
Enter the URL https://mcp.rankgaroo.com/mcp, then enter a server ID such as rankgaroo.
Choose where to save it: Global (then Copilot Global) for personal use, or the workspace.
Accept the trust prompt. When the browser opens for authorization, sign in.

Prefer a file? Put this in .vscode/mcp.json:

Config (JSON)

{
  "servers": {
    "rankgaroo": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.rankgaroo.com/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Open Copilot Chat, switch to Agent mode, click the tools icon and check that the rankgaroo tools are on.

On first connection VS Code runs a Dynamic Client Registration handshake with Rankgaroo, then opens your browser. You see the Rankgaroo consent page naming VS Code. Click Continue to Google. Google then asks for read-only Search Console and Analytics access, and you can untick either one. Check status in the Accounts menu.

What you need

VS Code 1.99 or later, per GitHub's docs for MCP in Copilot.
GitHub Copilot with agent mode. On Copilot Free, Pro, Pro+ and Max, the MCP policy does not apply.
On Copilot Business or Enterprise, an org admin must enable the policy MCP servers in Copilot. It is off by default.

Good to know

VS Code's own mcp.json uses a top-level servers key, not mcpServers. Portable files named .mcp.json or mcp-config.json use mcpServers.
Trust, sign-in and per-tool approval are three separate prompts.
If sign-in gets stuck on an old registration, run Authentication: Remove Dynamic Authentication Providers, then try again.
VS Code's auth redirects are http://127.0.0.1:33418 and https://vscode.dev/redirect. Rankgaroo allows both.
VS Code's official guide describes Dynamic Client Registration. It does not mention Client ID Metadata Documents, so we rely on the first.

First questions to try

Using Rankgaroo, list my Search Console sites and their click totals for the last 28 days.
Which queries bring impressions to my blog pages in Search Console but almost no clicks?
How many GA4 sessions did my top five landing pages get last week?

Questions

Does VS Code support MCP on the free Copilot plan?

VS Code supports MCP servers on the Copilot Free, Pro, Pro+ and Max plans, where the MCP policy does not apply. Copilot Business and Enterprise need an admin to enable MCP servers in Copilot. VS Code itself must be version 1.99 or later.

Is the Rankgaroo connection in VS Code read-only?

Yes, the Rankgaroo connection in VS Code is read-only. Google's screen asks only for read-only Search Console and Analytics access, and you can untick either one. The five tools are whoami, gsc_list_properties, gsc_search_analytics, ga4_list_properties and ga4_run_report. None of them can change your data.

Why doesn't VS Code show the Rankgaroo tools?

VS Code shows the Rankgaroo tools in Copilot Chat only in Agent mode, with the tools turned on. Click the tools icon to check. If your org uses Copilot Business or Enterprise, the MCP servers in Copilot policy may be off.

Should I use servers or mcpServers in the VS Code config?

VS Code's own .vscode/mcp.json uses the servers key. The mcpServers key belongs to the portable .mcp.json and mcp-config.json formats. Mixing them up is a common cause of a server that never loads.

How do I get access to Rankgaroo while it is in beta?

Rankgaroo is in a private beta, so access is by invite from the beta list. Join the list on the Rankgaroo site and we will send an invite when a spot opens.

Sources: VS Code: MCP servers, VS Code: MCP configuration reference, VS Code: MCP developer guide, GitHub Docs: extend Copilot Chat with MCP