Claude Code / AI Coding Tools

Chrome MCP bridge fails after ~30s idle due to MV3 service worker dormancy

Fix Chrome MCP extension returning empty browser list after idle period — misleading error message when extension IS installed Includes evidence for Claude Code troubleshooting demand.

Source-backed Last updated May 22, 2026 1 source Needs local verification

Category: AI Coding Tools
Error signature: Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running
Quick fix: Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Updated: May 22, 2026
Verification status: Source-backed
Evidence: 1 public source URL

Before you change production

This page includes public source URLs in the imported troubleshooting record. Compare those references with your version and environment before applying changes.

Reproduce the smallest failing action and save non-secret logs before changing configuration.
Check versions for Claude Code, related SDKs, package managers, CI runners, and hosting providers.
Change one setting or dependency at a time, then rerun the same failing command or request.
Avoid destructive commands, credential rotation, billing changes, or security relaxations without a rollback plan.

What this error means

Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running is a Claude Code failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix chrome mcp extension returning empty browser list after idle period — misleading error message when extension is installed. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

GitHub issue #61347 on anthropics/claude-code opened May 22, 2026 by jjongsta. MV3 service worker goes dormant after ~30s idle, causing claude-in-chrome extension to stop checking in to the bridge. CLI shows misleading auth/install error while extension IS installed, signed in, and paired. Has repro steps, labeled bug+has repro+area:mcp+area:chrome+area:browser-extension. Extension version 1.0.71/1.0.72, Claude Code CLI 2.1.148, Chrome 148. Strong signal — multiple enterprise testers confirming ($50 acceptance-test target mentioned). Not yet covered on dev-error-db.

Common causes

GitHub issue #61347 on anthropics/claude-code opened May 22, 2026 by jjongsta. MV3 service worker goes dormant after ~30s idle, causing claude-in-chrome extension to stop checking in to the bridge. CLI shows misleading auth/install error while extension IS installed, signed in, and paired. Has repro steps, labeled bug+has repro+area:mcp+area:chrome+area:browser-extension. Extension version 1.0.71/1.0.72, Claude Code CLI 2.1.148, Chrome 148. Strong signal — multiple enterprise testers confirming ($50 acceptance-test target mentioned). Not yet covered on dev-error-db.

Quick fixes

Confirm the exact error signature matches Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running.
Check the Claude Code account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Diagnostic flow for this page

Match Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running exactly before applying the quick fix.
Compare the failing environment with Claude Code versions, account scope, provider settings, and deployment context.
Check the listed common causes in order, starting with the cause that best matches your logs.
Use the evidence status below to decide whether to confirm against public sources or official documentation.
Apply one reversible change, rerun the smallest failing action, and keep rollback notes.

FAQ

What does Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running mean in Claude Code?

Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running indicates the workflow described by "Chrome MCP bridge fails after ~30s idle due to MV3 service worker dormancy" failed in a AI Coding Tools context. Start by confirming the exact signature and the component that emitted it.

What should I check first for Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running?

Check whether this cause matches your environment: GitHub issue #61347 on anthropics/claude-code opened May 22, 2026 by jjongsta. MV3 service worker goes dormant after ~30s idle, causing claude-in-chrome extension to stop checking in to the bridge. CLI shows misleading auth/install error while extension IS installed, signed in, and paired. Has repro steps, labeled bug+has repro+area:mcp+area:chrome+area:browser-extension. Extension version 1.0.71/1.0.72, Claude Code CLI 2.1.148, Chrome 148. Strong signal — multiple enterprise testers confirming ($50 acceptance-test target mentioned). Not yet covered on dev-error-db.

Is the Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running guidance source-backed?

The "Chrome MCP bridge fails after ~30s idle due to MV3 service worker dormancy" page is labeled source-backed. It has 1 public source URL from github.com, so use that evidence status when deciding how much additional verification you need.

When should I avoid the quick fix for Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running?

For "Chrome MCP bridge fails after ~30s idle due to MV3 service worker dormancy", avoid applying "Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time." when the error text differs, the affected version or provider is different, or the change would touch credentials, billing, DNS, production deploy settings, or irreversible data.

What should I collect before debugging Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running?

For "Chrome MCP bridge fails after ~30s idle due to MV3 service worker dormancy", collect the failing Claude Code command or request, non-secret configuration, versions, timestamps, request IDs when available, and the smallest reproduction that still triggers the signature.