> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.carto.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.carto.com/carto-for-agents/connect-your-platform/chatgpt.md).

# ChatGPT

[ChatGPT](https://chatgpt.com/) connects to CARTO through a **custom MCP server** over OAuth, giving ChatGPT access to CARTO's MCP tools.

ChatGPT can also [render CARTO maps inline](/carto-for-agents/connect-your-platform.md#which-platforms-render-maps-inline) in the conversation, providing a richer experience when working with CARTO maps and spatial data.

## Requirements

* A **ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, or Edu** workspace with **Developer mode** enabled. Full MCP support, including write and modify actions, is currently available on these plans. Pro users can connect MCPs with read/fetch permissions. See [OpenAI's Developer mode and MCP apps documentation](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-developer-mode-and-mcp-apps-in-chatgpt?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* Your CARTO **MCP Server URL**.
* A CARTO **SPA OAuth Client** with a **Client ID**. A client secret is supported and recommended for this setup. See [Connecting with OAuth](/carto-for-agents/mcp-server/connecting-with-oauth.md#1-create-the-client-in-carto).
* Access to configure the OAuth callback URL on the CARTO SPA OAuth Client.

## Connecting via OAuth

1. In ChatGPT, open **Settings > Security and login**, scroll to **Developer mode**, and toggle it on. You may see an **“ELEVATED RISK”** warning; this is expected when enabling custom MCP servers.
2. Go to **Settings > Plugins > Browse plugins** and click the **+** button in the top-right.
3. In **New Plugin**, configure the MCP server:

   * **Name:** anything, such as `CARTO`.
   * **Connection:** leave as **Server URL**.
   * **URL:** your CARTO MCP Server URL.

   <figure><img src="https://3029946802-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FybPdpmLltPkzGFvz7m8A%2Fuploads%2FXS7FynrEpoJEMVxmysbF%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=488e9996-c7e5-4aa3-9bb7-3628fe2c0787" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
4. Under **Authentication**, choose **OAuth**.
5. Expand **Advanced OAuth settings > Registration method** and change **CIMD** to **User-Defined OAuth Client**. Enter your CARTO **Client ID** and **Client Secret**, and add `offline_access` to the scopes.
6. Accept the **“I understand and want to continue”** warning and click **Create**.
7. **Before signing in**, register ChatGPT's OAuth callback URL on your CARTO client. In CARTO, open the SPA client under **Developers → Credentials → SPA OAuth Clients**, turn off **Use default logout/callback URLs and Origins**, and add:

   ```
   https://chatgpt.com/connector/oauth/<id>
   ```

   Use the exact `<id>` from the authorization URL that ChatGPT opens. Save the CARTO client.
8. Return to ChatGPT, click **Sign in**, and complete the CARTO consent flow.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Leave the OAuth registration method set to **User-Defined OAuth Client**. Do not use **CIMD** for this ChatGPT connection. CARTO's CIMD flow is used for supported Claude clients. If you see **“Unknown client,”** create a new CARTO SPA OAuth Client and use its Client ID.
{% endhint %}

## Read-only alternative

If you don't control the CARTO OAuth client, you can use a CARTO [API Access Token](/carto-for-agents/mcp-server/connecting-with-api-tokens.md) instead of OAuth. Choose **Access token / API key** in the authentication settings and provide a token with the **MCP Server** scope.

Add the **SQL**, **Maps**, or **LDS** scopes as needed for additional CARTO tools.

This provides a [read-and-discovery subset](/carto-for-agents/mcp-server/connecting-with-api-tokens.md#what-a-token-unlocks) of the CARTO tool surface and does not enable map or Workflow authoring.


---

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