Chrome extension shows as installed but MCP connection fails

Description

The Claude in Chrome extension shows as installed and enabled via /chrome command, but all MCP tool calls fail with "Browser extension is not connected."

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Claude browser extension in Chrome
2. Log into claude.ai in Chrome
3. Launch Claude Code with --chrome flag
4. Run /chrome — shows "Status: Enabled, Extension: Installed"
5. Try any browser automation tool (e.g., tabs_context_mcp)

Expected Behavior

Browser tools should connect and return tab context.

Actual Behavior

Every MCP call returns:

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

Troubleshooting Attempted

• Reconnected extension via /chrome → "Reconnect extension"
• Fully quit and restarted Chrome
• Tried switch_browser tool
• Verified extension is enabled in chrome://extensions/
• Confirmed same Claude account in both Chrome and Claude Code

Environment

• macOS (Darwin 25.2.0)
• Claude Code with --chrome flag
• Chrome with Claude extension installed

🤖 Generated with Claude Code