Claude Code `.mcp.json` server stuck on "Pending approval": `reset-project-choices` doesn't approve it

Symptom

claude mcp get <name> shows ⏸ Pending approval (run claude to approve) for a server defined in the project's .mcp.json.

Environment and tested versions

Debian GNU/Linux 13 (trixie) x86_64, node 20.19.2, npm 11.21.1; project .mcp.json with one HTTP server; Claude Code not logged in

• @anthropic-ai/claude-code 2.1.316
• node 20.19.2

Client used in the test: Tested in Claude Code 2.1.316 itself (not logged in). Only the user-settings route was tested.

Root cause

Project servers need an explicit approval. claude mcp reset-project-choices only clears earlier approve/reject choices so you get asked again; it approves nothing. Approvals in project-level settings (.claude/settings.local.json) are ignored until the workspace is trusted.

Fix steps

1. Run claude in the project and accept the trust and approval prompts (documented; not tested here because it needs a login).
2. Or list the server under "enabledMcpjsonServers": ["<name>"] in your user ~/.claude/settings.json (tested).
3. Use claude mcp reset-project-choices only to undo an earlier rejection.

Verification

Tested 31 Oct 2026 in a throwaway directory on a Linux box (fake credentials only). Before (A) and after the fix:

claude mcp get remote                          -> ⏸ Pending approval (reproduced)
claude mcp reset-project-choices               -> "approvals and rejections ... have been reset"
claude mcp get remote                          -> still ⏸ Pending approval
.claude/settings.local.json enabledMcpjsonServers -> still Pending (untrusted folder)
~/.claude/settings.json enabledMcpjsonServers  -> approved; status ✘ Failed to connect (expected: nothing listening on port 9)

Sources

• https://code.claude.com/docs/en/mcp (Project server approvals and workspace trust)