Claude Code CLI cannot connect to the Claude Chrome extension

Claude Code CLI cannot connect to the Claude Chrome extension (mcp__claude-in-chrome tools) despite extension being installed, running, and logged into the matching account.

Environment:

• OS: Windows 11 Pro (10.0.26200)
• Claude Code: CLI, model Opus 4.8
• Browser: Chrome (Claude for Chrome extension installed)

Steps taken:

1. Confirmed the extension is installed and functional — its own side-panel chat works independently (verified via screenshot).
2. Confirmed the extension is logged into raducuciulan@gmail.com, the same account as the Claude Code CLI session.
3. Fully quit and relaunched Chrome (all windows closed, not just a new window).
4. Retried the connection from Claude Code multiple times after each step.

Result: Every attempt returns the same error from Claude Code:

"Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running, and that you are logged into claude.ai with the same account as Claude Code."

Expected: Claude Code should be able to pair with the running, logged-in extension and drive the browser (navigate, screenshot, read page, etc.) via the claude-in-chrome MCP tools.

Actual: Connection never succeeds — no visible pairing/permission prompt appears in Chrome for Claude Code specifically, even though the extension's own standalone chat panel works.