Claude-in-Chrome: extension never connects — bridge reports zero browsers despite full restarts

Summary

The Claude-in-Chrome browser integration never connects from Claude Code. Every connection path returns "Browser extension is not connected," and list_connected_browsers / switch_browser report zero connected browsers — even though the extension is installed, enabled, and signed into the correct account.

Environment

• Claude Code: 2.1.197
• OS: macOS (Darwin 25.3.0)
• Browser: Google Chrome (extension installed and enabled)
• Account: same Anthropic/claude.ai account used for Claude Code

What I tried

• Confirmed the "Claude for Chrome" extension is present and toggled on in chrome://extensions
• Confirmed signed into claude.ai in Chrome with the same account as Claude Code
• Fully quit and relaunched Chrome (multiple times)
• Fully quit and relaunched Claude Code
• Restarted "everything" together

Observed behavior

All of the following return the same not-connected error:

• tabs_context_mcp (with createIfEmpty: true)
• list_connected_browsers → returns zero browsers
• switch_browser (pairing broadcast) → no extension ever receives the Connect prompt

Because even the pairing broadcast reaches no extension instance, the failure appears to be in the bridge between Claude Code and the extension, not in Chrome window/account selection.

Expected behavior

The extension should appear in list_connected_browsers, and tab context / navigation tools should be able to drive Chrome.

Notes

Repro is 100% in this environment across multiple full restarts of both applications.