Some self-managed Google Search Console (GSC) MCP servers take substantial setup. You need to create a Google Cloud project, enable an API, build an OAuth client, download a credentials.json, then keep a local server running. FlexQueries handles the Google connection for you. You sign up, connect your property, and start asking.
Setup: no Google Cloud project
- Sign up for FlexQueries. There is no subscription.
- Go through the onboarding. When prompted, click Connect Search Console and pick your property.
- Add the FlexQueries MCP endpoint to your client (steps below) and approve the FlexQueries login when prompted.
The hosted MCP server URL is:
https://app.flexqueries.com/mcpClaude Code
claude mcp add --transport http --scope user flexqueries https://app.flexqueries.com/mcpClaude Desktop
- Open Customize → Connectors.
- Click +, then Add custom connector.
- Paste
https://app.flexqueries.com/mcp.
Cursor
Add this server to .cursor/mcp.json in your project, or ~/.cursor/mcp.json for all projects. Merge the FlexQueries entry into mcpServers if you already have other servers configured:
{
"mcpServers": {
"flexqueries": {
"url": "https://app.flexqueries.com/mcp"
}
}
}Approve the FlexQueries login when prompted. See the Cursor MCP guide for more setup options.
Codex CLI
codex mcp add flexqueries --url https://app.flexqueries.com/mcp
codex mcp login flexqueriesOther clients with remote HTTP MCP and OAuth support can connect: add https://app.flexqueries.com/mcp as a remote server and sign in. Full setup and troubleshooting live in the MCP docs.
A typical self-managed setup
- Create a Google Cloud project
- Enable the Search Console API
- Configure the OAuth consent screen
- Create OAuth client credentials
- Download
credentials.json - Install and run a local MCP server
Things to actually ask it
- "Which queries am I ranking on page two for that I'm close to pushing onto page one?"
- "Show me pages where impressions went up but clicks stayed flat — probably a title or meta problem."
- "Are any of my blog posts competing with each other for the same query?"
- "Is
/pricingindexed? If not, what's blocking it?" - "Which queries lost the most clicks over the last 28 days?"
What your agent can read
Two read-only tools over the property you connect. Both pull Google's own numbers, and neither uses credits.
Search performance. Clicks, impressions, CTR, and average position for your site, sliced by query, page, country, device, and date. Request available history up to 16 months back. Large results may require pagination; anonymized queries remain hidden.
URL inspection. Whether a page is indexed and, if not, why: coverage status, last crawl, the canonical Google chose versus the one you declared, plus mobile and rich-result checks. Up to 10 URLs at a time.
These two Search Console tools are read-only. Other FlexQueries MCP tools can save keywords, start audits, and run paid research in your authorized project.
What it costs
Your AI client or model provider may charge separately. Connecting MCP does not include a subscription to that client.
The Search Console tools do not reduce your balance because Google does not charge you to read your own data. Other tools such as keyword research, rank tracking, and backlinks are pay as you go through the same MCP endpoint.
FlexQueries vs. the alternatives
Typical setup patterns; individual servers and vendors differ. AI client fees are separate. FlexQueries research beyond Search Console is metered.
Scroll to compare all columns
| Capability | FlexQueries | DIY MCP servers | Data-pipeline tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Simple, guided onboarding | Server installation and Google credentials; varies by project | Account + connector setup |
| Google Cloud project | Not needed | Often required | Usually not needed |
| Search Console usage | No FlexQueries subscription or GSC usage charge | License, hosting and quota depend on the server | Paid or limited free tier |
| Search Console permissions | webmasters.readonly | Depends on the scopes you grant | Varies |
| Built for SEO | Also does keyword, rank, and backlink research | Other tools depend on the server | Reporting and analytics focus |
FAQ
What does it cost?
The Search Console MCP tools have no usage charge. There is no FlexQueries subscription. Other tools, including keyword research, rank tracking, and backlinks, draw from your non-expiring account balance through the same endpoint.
Do I need my own Google Cloud project?
No. FlexQueries uses its managed Google connection, so you can connect a property without creating a Google Cloud project or OAuth client.
Is it read-only?
Yes. FlexQueries requests read-only access (webmasters.readonly). The Search Console tools can read performance and inspect URLs without changing your Google property. The wider FlexQueries MCP also exposes write and paid tools.
Which AI clients work?
Clients must support remote HTTP MCP and OAuth. Supported clients include Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, Codex, and OpenClaw. Add the FlexQueries MCP endpoint and sign in.
How fresh is the data?
It's Google's own data, so the most recent few days can be incomplete. History runs back 16 months, the same as the Search Console interface.
