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MCP Server

Filo Desktop can run a local Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. This lets an MCP-compatible AI client use the mail accounts and to-dos already connected to Filo.

The MCP Server is a Desktop-only feature. Filo must remain signed in and running on the same computer as the MCP client.

Connect an MCP client

  1. Open Filo Desktop and go to Settings → MCP.
  2. Turn on MCP Service.
  3. Wait for the configuration to appear, then select Copy.
  4. Add the copied configuration to your MCP client by following that client's configuration instructions.
  5. Reload or restart the MCP client, then confirm that the Filo tools are available.
  6. Keep Filo Desktop running whenever you use these tools.

Available capabilities

Accounts and sync

Discover Gmail, Outlook, and IMAP accounts, browse folders, and sync an account on demand.

Read and search

List and search messages, read full messages or threads, and retrieve attachments.

Mail actions

Mark, star, archive, move, trash, report spam, restore, or permanently delete messages.

Drafts

Create, update, and delete drafts when the connected provider supports drafts.

Safe instant send

Prepare a preview, confirm and send, check status, or cancel before sending. Scheduled send is not available through MCP.

To-dos

List and inspect to-dos, mark them complete, or permanently delete them.

Try these requests

  • •List the mail accounts connected to Filo.
  • •Search for invoice emails received in the last seven days.
  • •Draft a reply to this message, but do not send it.
  • •Show my incomplete to-dos.
  • •Mark this to-do as complete.

Security and safety

  • •The copied configuration contains a credential for your local MCP endpoint. Keep it private.
  • •The server listens only on your computer. Other devices cannot connect to it directly.
  • •Sending mail uses a prepare-and-confirm flow. Review the preview before confirming the send.
  • •Permanent deletion cannot be undone. Review destructive tool requests carefully.

Troubleshooting

  • •If the configuration does not appear, close and reopen Settings after Filo has finished starting.
  • •If the client reports Unauthorized, copy the current configuration from Filo again and replace the old one.
  • •If the client cannot connect, confirm that Filo is signed in and running and that the client supports Streamable HTTP MCP servers.