Understanding Connection Problems

When your Hacker News MCP server fails to connect, the issue typically stems from configuration errors, network problems, or API accessibility. This guide will help you identify and resolve the most common connection issues quickly.

Verify Server Configuration

Start by checking that your MCP server is properly configured in your client application. Ensure the server path points to the correct location of the Hacker News MCP server executable or script. Configuration files should reference the server using the exact path where it's installed on your system.

Double-check any environment variables required by the server. While the Hacker News MCP server connects to a public API that doesn't require authentication, your MCP client may still need proper configuration to launch and communicate with the server process.

Test Network Connectivity

The Hacker News MCP server relies on network access to reach the Hacker News API. If you're behind a corporate firewall or using a VPN, these may block outgoing connections. Test basic internet connectivity by accessing https://news.ycombinator.com in your browser. If the website loads, your network can reach Hacker News.

Check if your firewall or security software is blocking the server process. Some security tools flag unfamiliar executables or scripts attempting to make network requests. Add an exception for the MCP server if necessary.

Confirm Server Process Status

Verify that the MCP server process is actually running. When you send requests through your AI assistant, the MCP client should launch the server automatically. If you see timeout errors, the server may be failing to start.

Check your MCP client's logs for error messages during server initialization. Common startup failures include missing dependencies, incorrect file permissions, or Python/Node.js environment issues if the server requires these runtimes.

Handle API Rate Limits

The Hacker News API is generally permissive, but excessive requests in a short timeframe may result in temporary throttling. If you experience intermittent connection failures after making many requests, wait a few minutes before trying again. Space out your queries to avoid hitting rate limits.

Restart and Refresh

Sometimes the simplest solution works best. Restart your MCP client application completely to force a fresh server initialization. This clears any stuck processes or corrupted connection states.

If problems persist, check the Hacker News MCP server repository for known issues or updates. The maintainers may have documented specific compatibility requirements or recent changes affecting connectivity.

Still Having Issues?

If these troubleshooting steps don't resolve your connection problems, examine the complete error messages from your MCP client logs. These often contain specific details about what's failing, whether it's a network timeout, process crash, or configuration error that requires deeper investigation.