[BUG] claude-in-chrome extension doesn't connect despite being installed and configured

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 claude-in-chrome browser extension doesn't connect to Claude Code CLI despite being installed and configured. When using any
browser automation tool (e.g., tabs_context_mcp), it returns:

"Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running."

Config shows extension is installed:

• cachedChromeExtensionInstalled: true
• hasCompletedClaudeInChromeOnboarding: true
• claudeInChromeDefaultEnabled: true

What Should Happen?

The Chrome extension should connect to Claude Code and browser automation tools should work.

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-in-chrome extension from https://claude.ai/chrome
2. Complete the onboarding flow
3. Start Claude Code CLI
4. Try to use any browser tool like tabs_context_mcp
5. Error: "Browser extension is not connected"

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.23

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

Windows Terminal

Additional Information

Tried: reinstalling extension, restarting Chrome, restarting Claude Code, multiple versions