[BUG] Gmail MCP search_threads fails with "Tool execution failed" in Cowork desktop app
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
- [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?
Claude Cowork: The search_threads tool in the Gmail MCP connector (gmailmcp.googleapis.com/mcp/v1) consistently returns "Tool execution failed. You can try again." for every query, including the most basic ones such as in:inbox. This has been happening for several days and persists across multiple sessions, computer restarts, and Gmail connector disconnects/reconnects. All other Gmail tools — list_labels, get_thread, and create_draft — continue to work correctly, confirming this is not a connectivity or authentication issue but a specific regression in search_threads alone. I am using the Cowork desktop app.
What Should Happen?
search_threads should return matching email threads based on the query provided, consistent with how it functioned before this regression. Results should be returned for standard queries such as in:inbox, sender-based searches, and keyword searches, as is expected from a working Gmail search integration.
Error Messages/Logs
Tool execution failed. You can try again.
Steps to Reproduce
Connect the Gmail MCP connector in the Cowork desktop app
Start a conversation with Claude
Ask Claude to search your Gmail inbox (e.g. "search my inbox for recent emails")
Claude invokes search_threads with any query, including basic ones such as in:inbox with maxResults: 1
Tool returns "Tool execution failed. You can try again." every time regardless of the query used
Expected: Search results returned
Actual: Consistent failure across all queries, all sessions, and after multiple connector reconnects
Sonnet 4.6
Claude Model
Sonnet (default)
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
N/A — using Cowork desktop app, not Claude Code CLI
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
Windows
Terminal/Shell
Windows Terminal
Additional Information
_No response_
3 Comments
Found 2 possible duplicate issues:
This issue will be automatically closed as a duplicate in 3 days.
🤖 Generated with Claude Code
I am keeping this open as an additional report from a Cowork desktop app user experiencing the same issue. This is not a Claude Code CLI case. Adding my report to reinforce that this bug affects Cowork users and has been ongoing for several days with no resolution.
This issue has been automatically locked since it was closed and has not had any activity for 7 days. If you're experiencing a similar issue, please file a new issue and reference this one if it's relevant.