# Troubleshoot MockFlow MCP

> Fix MockFlow MCP problems in Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, VS Code and Codex: the AI answers in text, no credentials found, port in use, sign-in errors, rate limits and demo boards.

Source: https://mockflow.com/docs/troubleshoot-mockflow-mcp

If your AI app does not create MockFlow boards as expected, find the message or symptom below. Problems with the connector in Claude or ChatGPT come first, then the MockFlow MCP servers you run on your computer for coding tools.

## The AI answers in text or code instead of creating a board

AI apps have many tools and do not always pick MockFlow. Mention it in your request, for example "Using MockFlow, create a flowchart of..." or, in a coding tool, "Using mockflow-ideaboard, create...". In Claude and ChatGPT, also check that the MockFlow connector is turned on for the chat.

## Boards are not saved to my account

If the connector is used without signing in, MockFlow creates demo boards that are kept for 24 hours. Open the board and save it to your account to keep it. To have every board saved automatically, remove the MockFlow connector in your AI app's settings, add it again and sign in to MockFlow when asked. See [Connect MockFlow to Claude or ChatGPT](/docs/connect-mockflow-to-claude-or-chatgpt).

If boards were saving before and have stopped, your sign-in may have expired. Connect MockFlow again in the app's connector settings.

## "Exporting needs a signed in MockFlow session"

The AI tried to export a board as an image while the connector is not signed in. Connect MockFlow again and sign in, then ask again.

## "Rate limit reached"

You reached the number of items you can create in a period of time or in a day. The message says how long to wait. Plus and Max have higher limits, and without signing in the Basic limits apply. See [MockFlow MCP limits on each plan](/docs/mockflow-mcp-limits).

## "No credentials found"

The MockFlow MCP server on your computer is not signed in. Sign in once, then start the server again:

```bash
mockflow-ideaboard-mcp login
mockflow-ideaboard-mcp
```

For the server for wireframes, use `mockflow-wireframepro-mcp` in place of `mockflow-ideaboard-mcp`.

## "Invalid or expired token"

Your saved sign-in is no longer valid. Run the `login` command again to sign in, then start the server.

## "Login timed out" or "Login failed"

The sign-in opens a browser window and waits five minutes for you to sign in and allow access. Run the `login` command again and finish signing in in the browser window that opens. If the message says a port is in use, close any other `login` command that is still running and try again.

## "Port 21193 is already in use"

Another program, or another copy of the server, is using the port. Close the other copy, or start the server on a different port and use that port in your AI tool's settings:

```bash
mockflow-ideaboard-mcp --port=8888
```

The server for wireframes uses port 21194 by default.

## The AI tool does not show MockFlow's tools

- **The server is not running.** The MockFlow MCP servers for coding tools must be running while you work. Start it with `mockflow-ideaboard-mcp` and leave the window open.
- **The address does not match.** Check that the address in your AI tool's settings matches the one the server shows when it starts, including the port.
- **The tool was not reloaded.** After adding MockFlow, restart your AI tool or reload its MCP servers.

To check that the server is running, open `http://localhost:21193/mcp` in your browser or run `curl http://localhost:21193/mcp`.

## "Cannot reach app.mockflow.com"

The server on your computer creates boards through MockFlow online. Check your internet connection, and any firewall or proxy that may block app.mockflow.com.

## The result is simpler than expected

MCP creates one item at a time from what your AI app sends. For AI images or complex designs that need several steps, open the board and use Mida inside the MockFlow editor, or use [MockFlow Bridge](/docs/what-is-mockflow-bridge) to run your own AI agent there.