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Connect ChatGPT to SynContext

Connect ChatGPT to the same SynContext project memory that Claude and other MCP-compatible clients use.

Prerequisites

  • A SynContext account (create one)
  • Your SynContext API key if you use the API-key fallback URL
  • A ChatGPT plan and workspace surface that supports MCP Apps

Step 1: Open ChatGPT Apps

  1. Go to chatgpt.com
  2. Click your profile icon (bottom-left) → Settings
  3. Navigate to Apps in the left sidebar

Note: This was previously called "Connectors" — OpenAI renamed it to "Apps" in 2025.

Step 2: Add SynContext as an MCP app

If your ChatGPT Apps surface supports OAuth-capable remote MCP setup, use the OAuth URL:

  • Name: SynContext
  • MCP Server URL: https://syncontext.dev/mcp
  • Authentication: OAuth / automatic discovery, if offered by the UI

SynContext advertises OAuth 2.1 metadata, Dynamic Client Registration, and PKCE S256 at its well-known endpoints.

If your ChatGPT Apps surface does not offer OAuth setup or custom headers, use the API-key fallback:

  • MCP Server URL: https://syncontext.dev/mcp?key=YOUR_API_KEY
  • Authentication: None

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual API key from SynContext.

Why can the fallback key be in the URL? Some MCP client surfaces cannot send custom HTTP headers. The ?key= query parameter is a compatibility fallback. It is transmitted over HTTPS; use OAuth setup where your client supports it.

  1. Click Save or Connect
  2. ChatGPT should show a green status indicator or confirmation

Step 3: Test the connection

Start a new conversation in ChatGPT and try these prompts:

List your projects: 

List all my projects in SynContext

Store context: 

Store this in SynContext project "demo":
Title: ChatGPT connection test
Content: Successfully connected ChatGPT to SynContext.

Search: 

Search my SynContext for "connection test"

ChatGPT will ask you to confirm each tool call — this is normal behavior.

Step 4: Verify cross-AI sync

If you also have Claude connected (guide):

  1. Store something from ChatGPT (as above)
  2. Open Claude and ask: Search my SynContext for "connection test"
  3. Claude should find the entry ChatGPT stored

Using with Deep Research

ChatGPT's Deep Research feature uses two SynContext tools automatically:

  • search — Finds relevant context entries by keyword
  • fetch — Retrieves full content of specific entries

When you ask Deep Research a question, it may search your SynContext knowledge base as part of its research process. No special configuration needed.

Troubleshooting

Tools don't appear in ChatGPT

  • Disconnect and reconnect the app in Settings → Apps
  • Start a new conversation (tools don't appear in existing chats)
  • Verify your subscription supports MCP apps (Plus/Team/Enterprise)

"Unable to connect" error

  • Check that the URL is exactly: https://syncontext.dev/mcp?key=YOUR_API_KEY
  • Verify your API key by visiting https://syncontext.dev/health (should return {"status":"ok"})
  • Make sure there are no extra spaces in the URL

ChatGPT asks to confirm every tool call

This is expected behavior. ChatGPT requires user confirmation for external tool calls. Click "Confirm" or "Allow" to proceed.

Deep Research doesn't find your context

  • Verify the search tool works by explicitly asking ChatGPT to search
  • Deep Research may not always use external tools — try rephrasing your query
  • Ensure you have context entries stored (check in the dashboard)

Connection was working but stopped

  • Your API key may have been regenerated — check Settings in the dashboard
  • Re-enter the MCP server URL with your current API key

For more issues, see the full Troubleshooting Guide.