Understanding Connection Problems

Connection issues with the Hacker News MCP Server typically stem from a few common causes. This guide will help you identify and resolve the most frequent problems so you can get back to accessing Hacker News content quickly.

Server Not Starting

If your MCP server fails to start, first verify that all dependencies are properly installed. The Hacker News MCP Server requires Node.js and specific npm packages to function. Run npm install in the server directory to ensure all required packages are present.

Check that no other process is using the same port. If you see port conflict errors, either stop the conflicting service or configure the MCP server to use a different port in your configuration file.

Connection Timeouts

When requests to Hacker News time out, the issue is often network-related. Verify your internet connection is stable and that your firewall or security software isn't blocking outbound connections to the Hacker News API endpoints.

Some corporate networks or VPNs restrict API access. If you're working in such an environment, check with your network administrator about allowlisting the necessary domains. The server needs access to hacker-news.firebaseio.com to function properly.

Authentication Errors

The Hacker News MCP Server typically doesn't require authentication to read public content. If you're seeing authentication errors, they likely relate to your MCP client configuration rather than Hacker News itself. Double-check your MCP client settings to ensure the server path and configuration match your installation.

Rate Limiting Issues

Hacker News APIs have rate limits to prevent abuse. If you're making many rapid requests, you may encounter temporary blocks. Space out your requests and avoid polling for updates too frequently. Implement reasonable delays between queries—checking for new stories every few minutes rather than every few seconds is generally sufficient.

Data Not Loading

If the server connects but returns no data, verify the item IDs or endpoints you're requesting are valid. Hacker News items (stories, comments, users) are identified by numeric IDs. Double-check that you're using correct, existing IDs.

Occasionally, Hacker News API itself may experience downtime. Check the Hacker News website directly—if it's accessible but your server isn't returning data, restart the MCP server to reset its connection state.

Getting Further Help

If problems persist after trying these solutions, check the server logs for detailed error messages. These logs often reveal the specific cause of connection failures and can guide more targeted troubleshooting.