Chrome extension not connecting to Claude Code CLI with --chrome flag

The Claude in Chrome extension is installed and active (sidebar visible), but mcp__claude-in-chrome__tabs_context_mcp always returns "Browser extension is not connected."

Environment

• Claude Code version: 2.1.76
• macOS Darwin 25.3.0
• Chrome with "Claude in Chrome" extension installed and visible
• Logged into claude.ai in Chrome

Steps to reproduce

1. Install Claude in Chrome extension from Chrome Web Store
2. Log into claude.ai in Chrome
3. Start Claude Code with claude --chrome --dangerously-skip-permissions
4. Attempt any mcp__claude-in-chrome__* tool call (e.g. tabs_context_mcp)

Expected

Tool connects to Chrome and returns tab context

Actual

Always returns "Browser extension is not connected" error message

Troubleshooting tried

• Restarted Chrome (Cmd+Q and reopen)
• Confirmed extension is installed and enabled at chrome://extensions/
• Confirmed logged into claude.ai with same account
• Restarted Claude Code session multiple times with --chrome flag
• Reloaded extension from chrome://extensions/