[BUG] mcp__claude-in-chrome__* tools are advertised but not callable after upgrade to Claude 4.8

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• [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?

Summary
The Claude-in-Chrome browser-automation tools (mcp__claude-in-chrome__*) are injected into the model's instructions but never registered as callable tools. The model is told to use them, but they don't exist in the tool registry, so every invocation path is a dead end.

What's broken
The system prompt includes the full browser_instruction block that tells the model to call mcp__claude-in-chrome__tabs_context_mcp first, then tabs_create_mcp, take_screenshot, read_console_messages, javascript_tool, etc.
None of those tool schemas are actually exposed. They are not in the active tool list, not in the deferred-tools list, and a tool-registry search returns "No matching deferred tools found" for tabs_context_mcp / tabs_create_mcp and the rest.
Net effect: the model literally cannot call any mcp__claude-in-chrome__* tool — there is no schema to invoke. Browser automation via the extension is fully non-functional.
Corroborating signal
The injected tab context shows tabId="undefined" (<browser tabGroupId="..." tabId="undefined">), suggesting the extension handshake / tab enumeration is not completing.
Scope (per reporter)
Started after upgrading to Claude 4.8.
Reproduces on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Reproduces across all surfaces: Claude Code CLI, the desktop App, the VS Code extension, and Cursor.

What Should Happen?

Expected vs. actual
Expected: mcp__claude-in-chrome__* tool schemas are registered and callable, matching the injected browser instructions.
Actual: instructions reference the tools, but the tools are absent from the registry → uncallable.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

Here's a "Steps to Reproduce" section you can paste in:

Steps to Reproduce
Prerequisites
Claude updated to 4.8 (Opus 4.8).
The Claude in Chrome extension installed and connected (the browser-automation feature that exposes mcp__claude-in-chrome__* tools).
Any one of these surfaces: Claude Code CLI, Claude desktop App, VS Code extension, or Cursor.
Steps
Open any of the supported surfaces (Claude Code CLI / App / VS Code / Cursor) with the Claude-in-Chrome browser integration enabled.
Confirm the session injects the browser instructions — i.e. the assistant is told to start by calling mcp__claude-in-chrome__tabs_context_mcp.
In a new conversation, ask the assistant to do anything that requires the browser, e.g.:
"Open a new tab to https://example.com and take a screenshot."

Observe that the assistant attempts to use the mcp__claude-in-chrome__* tools (e.g. tabs_context_mcp, tabs_create_mcp, take_screenshot).
Actual Result
The mcp__claude-in-chrome__* tools are not present in the tool registry. Searching the tool list for tabs_context_mcp / tabs_create_mcp / take_screenshot returns "No matching deferred tools found."
The tools are referenced in the injected instructions but have no callable schema, so the assistant cannot invoke any of them — browser automation via the extension fails completely.
Corroborating signal: the injected tab context shows tabId="undefined" (<browser tabGroupId="..." tabId="undefined">), indicating the extension's tab handshake did not complete.
Expected Result
The mcp__claude-in-chrome__* tool schemas are registered and callable, matching the injected browser instructions, and the assistant can enumerate tabs, open a tab, navigate, and screenshot.
Environment / Scope
Trigger: began immediately after upgrading to Claude 4.8.
OS: reproduces on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Surfaces: reproduces in Claude Code CLI, desktop App, VS Code, and Cursor.
Minimal verification (no code required)
This bug needs no project files or code to reproduce — it's a tool-registration regression. To verify quickly in any session:

Ask the assistant: "List the mcp__claude-in-chrome__* tools you can call."
The assistant will report that none are available, while confirming the browser instructions were injected.

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

2.1.120

Claude Code Version

2.1.156

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

_No response_