# Connect Backbone to ChatGPT > You switch on developer mode in ChatGPT, add Backbone's MCP address as your own app, sign in to Backbone and approve on the consent screen. After that you tell ChatGPT what you need: log time, draft an invoice, ask who still owes you. No code, no token. Source: https://back-bone.io/en/blog/backbone-chatgpt-verbinden Published: 2026-10-21 · Updated: 2026-10-22 Category: Guides You switch on developer mode in ChatGPT, add Backbone's MCP address as your own app, sign in to Backbone and approve on the consent screen. After that you tell ChatGPT what you need: log time, draft an invoice, ask who still owes you. No code, no token. **TL;DR · Key facts** - **Steps:** copy the address, add it in ChatGPT as an app (developer mode), sign in and approve, send your first request. - **No code, no token.** Sign-in runs through Backbone (OAuth). - **ChatGPT works with your role.** Sending and deleting always need your confirmation. Bank details change only in the app. - **Menus and plans** change often at OpenAI. If something differs, OpenAI's guide wins. ## What can you do with Backbone in ChatGPT? Type it the way you'd say it: - **"Log 2 hours yesterday on Muster GmbH, project website relaunch."** ChatGPT creates the time entry. In Backbone you see it marked "Logged via MCP". - **"Draft September's invoice for Muster GmbH from my hours."** You get a draft, for example 12 hours at €95 = €1,140.00 net. Nothing is sent without your OK. - **"Who still owes me money?"** You get the open invoices, oldest first. ## What do you need before you start? - **A ChatGPT account with developer mode.** OpenAI lists Pro, Plus, Business, Enterprise and Education, on the web. On Business, Enterprise and Education, your ChatGPT admin settings can restrict it. Which actions (read-only or also write) each plan allows may differ. Check that in the OpenAI help article (help.openai.com). - **A Backbone workspace** that allows AI connections. The workspace owner can switch this off in Settings › Integrations. It is on by default. - **Any Backbone plan** (Solo, Growth, Agency) can use the connector. ## How do you connect Backbone to ChatGPT? ### 1. Copy the MCP address in Backbone Open Settings › Integrations in Backbone. Under "Connect an app", the row "Custom connector" shows the address. Copy it with "Copy server address". ### 2. Add it in ChatGPT Switch on developer mode in ChatGPT's settings. Then create a new app: a name such as "Backbone", paste the address, and choose OAuth for sign-in. OpenAI moves these switches around often. If in doubt, OpenAI's help has the current path. ### 3. Sign in to Backbone and approve ChatGPT opens Backbone's sign-in. You sign in as usual. Then you see the consent screen: 1. Tick the **workspaces** ChatGPT may access at the top. 2. Read what ChatGPT can and cannot do. 3. Click "Allow". If a workspace has AI connections off, the screen says "AI connections off" and you cannot pick it. ### 4. Your first request Start a new chat, select the Backbone app and ask, for example: "Who still owes me money?" ## What can ChatGPT see and do? The consent screen shows it up front: - **ChatGPT can:** read and change clients, projects and time entries. Draft invoices and quotes, and read documents and reports. - **ChatGPT asks you first** before it sends or deletes anything. Bank details cannot be changed through AI; that only works in the app. OpenAI also says ChatGPT asks for confirmation on write actions by default. Check the input before you confirm. - **ChatGPT cannot:** change password, billing or ownership, delete the workspace, connect bank accounts or change bank details. Those stay in the app. ChatGPT works **with your role**. What you cannot see in Backbone, ChatGPT cannot see either. **Revoke access:** Settings › Integrations › "Connected apps" › "Revoke". Access ends right away. You can connect the app again later. **Good to know:** OpenAI warns about injected instructions and untrustworthy connectors in developer mode. Connect only servers you trust. ## What if something doesn't work? - **The workspace cannot be picked ("AI connections off").** The owner has to switch on "Allow AI connections" in Settings › Integrations. - **The option to add an app is missing in ChatGPT.** Developer mode is off, your plan does not support it, or your ChatGPT admin settings do not allow it. - **Sign-in breaks off.** Check that you are signed in to the right Backbone account ("Signed in as …"). Remove the app and create it again. - **ChatGPT asks before every action.** By design. You can let it remember decisions within one conversation; in a new conversation it asks again. Sending and deleting always need your confirmation. - **It stops working.** Requests through MCP count toward your plan's limits, like in the app. > My goal is to optimise and automate back-office tasks so that we founders can focus on what matters most. > > Automating back-office work with AI agents and AI integrations is the future – that's why I built Backbone! ## How Backbone does it Your back office in the chat. In the app, or in a chat with ChatGPT, Claude and many more. 1. **Track your time** One sentence in the chat. The hours are in your week. 2. **Bill your hours** What you tracked goes on the invoice. 3. **Who's overdue?** One question, every open invoice. 4. **Permissions per person** Everyone gets what they need. Their AI gets no more. 5. **Review, then approve** The AI drafts. You check it and issue it. ## Frequently asked questions ### Does the connector cost extra? No. It is part of every Backbone plan. Requests through MCP count toward your plan's limits. What ChatGPT costs depends on your contract with OpenAI. ### Is there a public API or tokens? Not yet. The connector uses sign-in (OAuth). A public API for your own scripts is Coming soon. ### Can ChatGPT just send invoices? No. It asks you first before sending. ### What about Claude? That works too: [Connect Backbone to Claude](https://back-bone.io/en/blog/backbone-claude-verbinden). The background: [What is MCP?](https://back-bone.io/en/blog/was-ist-mcp). **Use Backbone from ChatGPT** Log time, draft invoices, check open items. 7-day trial, card required. - [Try for 7 days](https://back-bone.io/en/sign-up) --- General information, not legal or tax advice and no review of your case. Details on providers and laws can change. For your case, follow your tax adviser. Checked on 22/10/2026 Sources: OpenAI help on developer mode and MCP apps (help.openai.com) · OpenAI developer docs on developer mode (developers.openai.com)