Claude desktop app can't connect to Chrome extension for browser automation, despite side panel working

Description field:
The Claude desktop app (mension as connected in theUI (side panel open, messages flowing), but the browser automation tools fail
with "Browser extension ie connection works in onedirection (I can chat via the side panel) but the backend bridge isn't
established for tool use.

Environment:

• OS: macOS (Darwin 24.3.0)
• Claude Desktop App:
• Chrome Extension: Installed and running
• Chrome Version: [Ch Google Chrome]
• Account: Both desktop app and extension signed into same Claude account (nayma.akhtar@gmail.com)

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Open Claude desktop app on macOS
2. Open Chrome with Claudside panel open
3. Verify both are signed into the same Claude account
4. In the desktop app, ataude-in-chrome__*` tool
5. Try: ToolSearch("select:mcp__claude-in-chrome__tabs_context_mcp") then

call the tool

Expected Behavior:

The tool should execute successfully and return tab context information.

Actual Behavior:

Tool returns error:
Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension

is installed and running (https://claude.ai/chrome), and that you are logged
into
claude.ai with the same account as Claude Code.

What I've Already Tried:

• ✅ Verified extension i chrome://extensions/
• ✅ Confirmed both desktop app and extension are signed into the same account
• ✅ Checked desktop app mputer Use enabled)
• ✅ Full restart of Chrome (⌘Q then reopen)
• ✅ Full restart of Clau
• ✅ Reload extension via chrome://extensions/

Current State:

• Chrome side panel is op
• I can see and send messages in the Claude side panel
• Both apps show the sameil.com)
• But backend bridge for tool execution is not established

Error Details:

mcp__claude-in-chrome__ta:
Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension

is installed and running (https://claude.ai/chrome), and that you are logged
into
claude.ai with the same account as Claude Code. If this is your first time
connecting to Chrome, youe for the installation totake
effect.

Additional Info:

The fact that the side panel UI works but the tool bridge fails suggests the issue is specifically witn between the extension and desktop app, not basic extension installation or authentication.