Chrome extension not connecting: Browser extension is not connected

Description

The Chrome browser extension (claude-in-chrome) consistently fails to connect with the error:

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

Environment

• Claude Code: v2.1.87 (installed via homebrew/npm global)
• OS: macOS Darwin 25.0.0
• Chrome: v146
• Chrome Extension: Claude v1.0.64 (fcoeoabgfenejglbffodgkkbkcdhcgfn), installed in Profile 1
• Node: v20.19.5
• Auth: claude.ai (firstParty), same account on both CLI and browser
• Subscription: Max

Setup verified

• Native messaging host config exists at ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/NativeMessagingHosts/com.anthropic.claude_code_browser_extension.json
• Native host script at ~/.claude/chrome/chrome-native-host is executable and points to correct node binary and CLI path
• Extension has correct permissions including nativeMessaging
• allowed_origins matches the extension ID
• Logged into the same account (gandyxiong@gmail.com) on both CLI (claude auth status) and claude.ai in Chrome

Steps attempted

1. Ran /login in Claude Code — login successful
2. Installed/verified extension in Chrome Profile 1
3. Toggled extension off and back on in chrome://extensions
4. Fully quit Chrome (Cmd+Q) and relaunched — multiple times
5. Verified claude.ai is open and logged in within the same Chrome profile
6. Called mcp__claude-in-chrome__tabs_context_mcp repeatedly — always returns "Browser extension is not connected"

Expected behavior

tabs_context_mcp should detect the Chrome extension and return tab information.

Actual behavior

Every call returns the "Browser extension is not connected" error, despite all configuration appearing correct.

🤖 Generated with Claude Code