Quick Start
Install the SproutOS WordPress plugin, generate an application password, and connect your AI client via MCP in minutes.
The SproutOS plugin connects your WordPress site to AI agents through MCP (Model Context Protocol - the open standard that lets AI clients call tools on external systems). This guide walks you through installation and connecting your first AI client.
Requirements
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| WordPress | 6.9 or higher |
| PHP | 8.0 or higher |
| Node.js | 18 or higher (on the machine running your AI client) |
| HTTPS | Required for HTTP transport |
| AI Client | Any MCP-compatible client (Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf) |
Start on a development or staging site while you learn the tools. Many agencies run SproutOS on live sites - the sandbox, Safe Mode, and Crash Guard are designed for that. When you're ready to go live, keep a backup in place.
Installation
Install the plugin
Download the SproutOS plugin from GitHub. In your WordPress admin, go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin, upload the ZIP, and activate it.
A new SproutOS menu appears in your admin sidebar after activation.
Confirm AI Abilities are active
AI Abilities are enabled by default when the plugin activates. Check your WordPress admin bar - it should show Sprout MCP: ON.
If it shows Sprout MCP: OFF, go to SproutOS > AI Abilities and toggle them on.
Generate an application password
Go to SproutOS > MCP Connect and click Generate New Password. Copy the password immediately - you won't see it again.
This is separate from your WordPress login password. It's the token your AI client uses to authenticate with your site.
Connect your AI client
Add SproutOS as an MCP server in your AI client. Your site must use HTTPS. Add this to your AI client's MCP configuration:
{
"mcpServers": {
"wordpress": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@automattic/mcp-wordpress-remote@latest"],
"env": {
"WP_API_URL": "https://your-site.com/wp-json/mcp/mcp-adapter-default-server",
"WP_API_USERNAME": "your-username",
"WP_API_PASSWORD": "your-application-password"
}
}
}
}
Replace the values with your site URL, WordPress username, and the application password from the previous step.
Verify the connection
Open your AI client and type a simple prompt:
"Check my WordPress site connection."
If connected, the AI will confirm it can reach your site. If it doesn't respond as expected, check the Troubleshooting guide for common issues.
Choose a Capability Profile
Capability Profiles control how many of SproutOS's 175+ abilities load at the start of each session. The default is Minimal - the right choice for most workflows. Change it anytime from SproutOS > AI Abilities, or see Capability Profiles to compare all four options.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Node.js runs on your local machine, not the server. The server only needs WordPress 6.9+ and PHP 8.0+.
Yes. Each client connects independently using its own application password. Generate additional passwords from SproutOS > MCP Connect.
Administrator. SproutOS requires the manage_options capability. Non-admin users cannot access any abilities.
Deactivating removes scheduled cron jobs and disables the abilities. Your sandbox files and analytics data stay on disk. Reactivating restores everything.
No. WordPress application passwords require HTTPS. For local development, use a tool like mkcert, Laravel Valet, or Local by Flywheel to add SSL.