Claude-in-Chrome browser extension not connecting to Claude Code CLI

Description

The Claude-in-Chrome browser extension fails to connect to Claude Code CLI. The tabs_context_mcp tool consistently returns:

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

Steps to reproduce

1. Install Claude browser extension from claude.ai/chrome
2. Log into claude.ai in Chrome with the same account used for Claude Code
3. Restart Chrome
4. In Claude Code CLI, call mcp__claude-in-chrome__tabs_context_mcp

Expected behavior

The tool should return tab context information and connect to the browser.

Actual behavior

Returns "Browser extension is not connected" error despite the extension being installed, Chrome restarted, and the same account being used.

Environment

• OS: macOS (Darwin 25.2.0)
• Claude Code model: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context)
• Date: 2026-03-30

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