How to connect your own MCP server on iPhone

What a custom server connection does

Connect any remote MCP server that speaks streamable HTTP, such as one you run for work or at home. Orvena lists its tools next to the built-in ones.

Add your server

1. Open the menu at the top left, then Settings, then Connections, the row titled "Connect your stuff".
2. Tap the last card, "Your own server", which opens "Custom server". Without Premium Unlock it opens the purchase screen instead.
3. Fill in Name and the address, which must use https:// with a host name. If the server uses an API key, paste it into "Bearer token (optional)"; left empty, Orvena tries open access, then sign-in. In "What can this server help with? (optional)", write a sentence about what it is for, then tap "Add server".
4. The button reads "Checking…" while Orvena connects. When the fields clear, go back to Connections, where the server shows its number of tools.

What you can ask

• Use my server to look up today's orders.
• Ask the knowledge base how to reset a customer password.
• Check the build status on the CI server.

What asks before it runs

Each tool from the server asks the first time it is used, and you can allow it once or always. Tools the server marks as destructive ask every time. If the conversation already holds personal data, such as your calendar or an earlier result, Orvena asks before sending it to your own MCP server.

Which models can use it

All four engines on the Models screen get the connector tools: Orvena's own model, Apple Intelligence, Private Cloud Compute and cloud models through OpenRouter that support tools. For Apple's models Orvena converts each tool's schema; if a tool uses something Apple's framework cannot express, Apple's models get that tool without arguments, so use Orvena's model or OpenRouter for it.

Common questions

What does a custom MCP server need to work with Orvena?

An https:// address, MCP streamable HTTP answering with plain JSON or an SSE stream, protocol version 2025-11-25, 2025-06-18 or 2025-03-26, and at least one tool. Redirects must stay on the same origin. OAuth servers must support PKCE with S256, dynamic client registration and public clients.

Do I need to pay to use your own MCP server with Orvena?

Connections need Premium Unlock, a one-time $14.99 purchase with no subscription. It also adds Private Cloud Compute on iOS 27, cloud models with your own OpenRouter key, voice conversations and scheduled tasks.