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 through your AI assistant.

Verify Server Installation

Before troubleshooting connection issues, ensure the server is properly installed. Check that all dependencies are installed correctly and that the server package is up to date. If you recently installed or updated the server, try restarting your MCP client application to ensure it recognizes the new configuration.

Check Configuration Settings

The most common source of connection problems is incorrect configuration. Review your MCP settings file to ensure the Hacker News server is properly registered. The server entry should include the correct command to launch the server and any required arguments. Look for typos in the server name or path that might prevent the client from locating and starting the server.

If you're using environment variables for configuration, verify they're set correctly and accessible to the application launching the server.

Network and API Access

The Hacker News MCP server requires internet connectivity to access the Hacker News API. If you're behind a corporate firewall or using a VPN, ensure that outbound connections to Hacker News domains are permitted. The server specifically needs access to the official Hacker News Firebase API endpoints.

Test your general internet connectivity by accessing hacker news directly in a web browser. If the website loads but the server still can't connect, network restrictions may be blocking API requests specifically.

Server Process Issues

Sometimes the server process may fail to start or crash unexpectedly. Check your MCP client's logs for error messages related to the Hacker News server. These logs often reveal specific issues such as missing dependencies, permission problems, or runtime errors.

If the server process appears stuck, try manually stopping and restarting it. Some MCP clients provide commands to restart individual servers without reloading the entire application.

Rate Limiting and API Throttling

The Hacker News API has usage limits to prevent abuse. If you're making many requests in quick succession, you may encounter temporary connection failures. If you suspect rate limiting is the issue, wait a few minutes before trying again. Consider spacing out your requests if you're performing bulk operations.

When All Else Fails

If you've exhausted these troubleshooting steps and still can't connect, try removing and re-adding the server to your configuration. This fresh start often resolves persistent issues caused by corrupted settings or incomplete installations. Check the server's repository for known issues or recent bug reports that might match your symptoms.