How to Use the ESPHome MCP in Cline

Q: Can Cline write automation scripts that use the ESPHome API?

Yes. Cline can write Node.js or Python scripts that call getentitystate or coveraction, run them in your terminal, and debug any connection issues on the fly.

Q: Can I control dimmers and multi-speed fans?

Yes. The numberset tool lets you adjust precise dimmer percentages, while fanaction and selectoption allow you to set specific speeds and operating modes on compatible hardware.

Let Cline build custom web dashboards and scripts that pull live data and trigger actions on your ESPHome nodes.

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Connect ESPHome MCP to Cline

Create your Vinkius account to connect ESPHome to Cline 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 ESPHome with Cline

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Build live IoT dashboards inside VS Code with Cline

Cline writes the code and tests it against your live hardware. You can tell the agent to build a React widget that displays room temperature, and it will use `get_entity_state` to pull live sensor payloads, write the frontend component, and hook up the API calls. If you need to add controls, Cline writes the event handlers. It integrates `light_action` and `fan_action` directly into your custom code, testing the buttons against your physical devices to verify the code actually works before you commit it.

End-to-end hardware testing using the MCP Server

Cline tests your local automation scripts by triggering physical changes. When you write a script to handle safety thresholds, the agent uses `switch_action` to trip a virtual relay, then monitors `get_entity_state` to verify your script responds correctly. This MCP Server lets the agent run real-world integration tests. Instead of mocking your hardware, Cline interacts with your physical ESP32 boards, checking `get_metrics` to ensure your custom automation code doesn't cause memory leaks on the microcontrollers.

Physical build notifications with ESPHome and Cline

Cline can turn your physical office into a build status indicator. You can configure the agent to trigger a `light_action` to turn your desk lamp green when your tests pass, or red when a build fails. It can even trigger an `alarm_action` or sound a buzzer using `button_press` if a critical deployment fails. This bridges the gap between your virtual codebase and your physical workspace without requiring any external cloud services.

Setup guide

Set up ESPHome MCP in Cline

Prerequisites

VS Code with Cline extension installed
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Cline MCP settings

Click the Cline icon in the VS Code sidebar to open the Cline panel. Then click the MCP Servers icon (server stack) at the top-right corner of the panel.
2

Add a remote server

Click "Remote Servers" at the top, then click "Add Remote MCP". In the Name field, type esphome-mcp. In the URL field, paste your Vinkius endpoint: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp. Get your token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Enable the server

After saving, the server appears in the Cline MCP panel. Toggle the switch to enable it. The status indicator turns green when the connection is live.
4

Start using tools

Return to the Cline chat and ask: "Check my latest ESPHome refund status." Cline will discover the available tools and request your approval before invoking each one — giving you full control over every action.

Cline MCP Settings

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "esphome-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 ESPHome. 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 ESPHome MCP in Cline

Open the Cline sidebar, click the MCP icon, and add the server configuration. You can also edit your `cline_mcp_settings.json` file directly to point to the local server executable.

Yes. Cline can write Node.js or Python scripts that call `get_entity_state` or `cover_action`, run them in your terminal, and debug any connection issues on the fly.

No. This MCP Server runs entirely on your local machine, allowing Cline to communicate with your ESPHome hardware over your local Wi-Fi without hitting external servers.

Yes. The `number_set` tool lets you adjust precise dimmer percentages, while `fan_action` and `select_option` allow you to set specific speeds and operating modes on compatible hardware.

All communication with your nodes occurs over local HTTP REST calls. Your raw ESPHome entity states, button presses, and switch actions are processed locally inside Cline's sandboxed environment, keeping your smart home topology completely private.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

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