How to Use the Balena MCP in Cursor

Inject live Balena edge device data straight into your codebase using Cursor.

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Connect Balena MCP to Cursor

Create your Vinkius account to connect Balena to Cursor and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup Balena with Cursor

Ask AI about this MCP

ChatGPT

Claude

Perplexity

Pull live fleet data into Cursor

`list_devices` and `list_fleets` let this MCP server pull actual production data into your editor. You prompt Agent mode to write a script targeting specific edge nodes, and it fetches the real UUIDs to test against. Instead of mocking data, your AI client writes code using your actual fleet structure. The OData filter support means it only pulls the exact devices relevant to the function you are working on.

Script Balena MCP Server environment variables

`create_device_env_var` and `create_device_tag` allow Cursor to push configuration changes while you write deployment scripts. When you draft an automation tool, the agent can verify the API calls by actually setting a test variable. Developers stay entirely inside the IDE. The agent reads the response, confirms the tag was created, and uses that exact payload structure to finish writing your TypeScript function.

Automate OS downloads and releases

`get_os_download_url` and `list_releases` give your editor direct access to firmware links. If you are writing a provisioning script, Cursor grabs the real download URL for a Raspberry Pi 3 and embeds it in the code. Agent mode checks `list_os_versions` to ensure it requests a valid balenaOS version. Your scripts are accurate on the first run because they were built with live API responses.

Setup guide

Set up Balena MCP in Cursor

Prerequisites

Cursor installed (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open MCP Settings

Go to Cursor Settings → MCP or open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P) and search for "MCP: Add Server".
2

Add the Balena MCP

Cursor will create or open .cursor/mcp.json in your project root. Paste the JSON snippet on the right. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Enable Agent mode

Open Composer (Cmd+I / Ctrl+I) and switch to Agent mode using the dropdown at the top. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode.
4

Verify the connection

Ask Cursor something like "List my recent Balena transactions." If the MCP tools are loaded correctly, Cursor will call the Balena tools automatically. You can also check Settings → MCP for a green status indicator.

.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "balena-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by Balena. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about Balena MCP in Cursor

Create an mcp.json file in your project root. Add the server command or remote URL, then turn on Agent mode in the chat panel.

Yes. Agent mode calls the API, reads your actual fleet slugs, and uses them as variables in the code it generates.

The tools support OData $filter parameters. You can tell the AI to only fetch devices matching a specific tag or status.

Only if you ask it to. Tools exist to create environment variables and tags, but the agent requires your prompt to execute them.

Your API keys and fleet configurations run through a zero-trust execution layer. Vinkius drops the connection and wipes the memory space the second Cursor receives the requested payload.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

Connect this server to Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and more.

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