[BUG] Browser extension not connected - tabs_context_mcp fails

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

• mcp__claude-in-chrome__tabs_context_mcp returns "Browser extension is not connected"
• Extension is installed and enabled in Chrome
• Tried multiple connection attempts, all failed
• Using Claude Code CLI with Opus 4.5

What Should Happen?

chrome extension should work

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Claude Chrome extension from https://claude.ai/chrome
2. Ensure extension is enabled and visible in Chrome toolbar
3. Open Claude Code CLI in terminal
4. Run any browser automation command that calls mcp__claude-in-chrome__tabs_context_mcp
5. Extension returns: "Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and

running"

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.19

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

_No response_