[BUG] Browser extension shows "Enabled/Installed" but tools report "not connected"

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?

The /chrome command shows the extension status as "Enabled" and "Installed", but when attempting to use any browser automation tool (like tabs_context_mcp), it fails with "Browser extension is not connected."

What Should Happen?

When the extension shows as Enabled/Installed, browser automation tools should successfully connect to Chrome.

Error Messages/Logs

Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running (https://claude.ai/chrome).

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Claude browser extension from Chrome Web Store
2. Run claude and enter /chrome - shows Status: Enabled, Extension: Installed
3. Ask Claude to perform any browser task (e.g., "take a screenshot")
4. Claude attempts to call tabs_context_mcp and fails with "not connected" error

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.20 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

PowerShell

Additional Information

Environment:

• Windows
• Claude Code version: 2.1.20
• Chrome extension: Installed from official source
• Tried: Full PC restart, reinstalled extension, checked firewall, reinstalled Claude Code