How do multiple Chrome profiles affect Claude Code?

Each profile with the Claude extension enabled attempts to spawn its own native host, which can cause socket conflicts. It is recommended to enable the extension in only one profile.

Why do I need to restart Chrome after applying the fix?

Chrome only loads native messaging host configurations at startup. Additionally, Claude Code establishes its MCP connection when the session begins.

Why does Claude say the browser extension is not connected?

This usually occurs because Claude.app (Desktop) and Claude Code (CLI) use different native messaging hosts that conflict. Chrome can only point to one at a time.

Can I use Claude.app Cowork and Claude Code tools simultaneously?

No, they utilize incompatible socket formats and native host configurations. You must pick one and disable the other's config file.

Does this troubleshooting skill work on Windows or Linux?

Currently, this skill is designed specifically for macOS, as it targets Mac-specific paths like ~/Library/Application Support and system tools like osascript.

Claude Chrome MCP Troubleshooter

Name: Claude Chrome MCP Troubleshooter
Author: plurigrid

byplurigrid

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Browser Automation

Diagnoses and resolves connectivity conflicts between the Claude browser extension and Claude Code or the desktop app.

This skill provides specialized diagnostic procedures and resolution paths for 'Browser extension is not connected' errors within the Claude ecosystem on macOS. It specifically addresses the underlying architectural conflicts between Claude.app’s Cowork feature and the Claude Code CLI, which compete for Chrome's native messaging host. By providing automated toggle scripts, manual configuration fixes, and socket reset procedures, it ensures reliable browser automation and MCP tool connectivity for developers working across different Claude interfaces.

Key Features

01Validates macOS-specific environment variables required for MCP connectivity

02Diagnoses issues stemming from multiple Chrome profiles or stale version wrappers

03Provides a shell-based toggle to switch between CLI and Desktop automation

048 GitHub stars

05Automates the cleanup of stale MCP sockets and native host processes

06Detects and resolves conflicts between Claude.app and Claude Code native hosts

Use Cases

01Repairing broken MCP tool connections after updating Claude or Chrome

02Switching browser automation control from Claude Desktop (Cowork) to the CLI

03Fixing 'Browser extension is not connected' errors in Claude Code CLI

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add plurigrid/asi claude-in-chrome-troubleshooting

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill