chromium-bridge — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Connects Chromium browsers with Claude Code for page inspection, clicks, and automation, avoiding tab-group hangs in browsers like Arc and Vivaldi.
claude mcp add chromium-bridge -- npx -y chromium-bridgeWhat chromium-bridge does
The standard Chrome integration frequently freezes in browsers like Arc or Vivaldi because tab group APIs behave differently there. This bridge bypasses that limitation. It relies strictly on core chrome.tabs, chrome.scripting, and chrome.debugger capabilities.
The architecture splits tasks between a stdio MCP server and an unpacked Manifest V3 browser extension. They communicate locally via WebSocket on port 8929. The server exposes browser_* tools that allow the assistant to switch tabs, inspect the accessibility tree, click coordinates, enter text, and grab screenshots. An orange border and cursor highlight AI actions directly on the active tab.
Running this setup requires loading the extension/ directory as an unpacked extension via chrome://extensions. The bridge rejects WebSocket connections unless they originate from the specific browser extension.
What it helps with
- drive browser workflows in Arc, Brave, and Vivaldi without tab group crashes
- inspect DOM text and accessibility hierarchies from the agent prompt
- trigger clicks, form inputs, and custom JavaScript execution on open pages
- capture page screenshots and monitor network logs during debugging
Example prompts for the agent
- Check browser connection status using
browser_status - Open the pricing page in a new tab and read its visible text
- Fill out the sign-up form on the active page and submit it
How to install chromium-bridge
Platform CLI
claude mcp add chromium-bridge -- npx -y chromium-bridgePlatform CLI
codex mcp add chromium-bridge -- npx -y chromium-bridgeConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"chromium-bridge": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"chromium-bridge"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"chromium-bridge": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"chromium-bridge"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add chromium-bridge npx -y chromium-bridgeStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about chromium-bridge
How to install chromium-bridge in Claude Code?
Load the extension/ directory via chrome://extensions in developer mode, then run claude mcp add chromium-bridge -- npx -y chromium-bridge and restart your session.
What does chromium-bridge do?
It provides browser automation tools for Chromium alternatives like Arc or Vivaldi where the official extension hangs on tab group calls.
How does the server secure local communication?
The WebSocket server on port 8929 only accepts incoming connections whose Origin matches chrome-extension://, preventing regular websites from connecting.
