CLI MCP Configuration Guide

This guide explains how to configure Codex CLI and Claude Code to connect to the Chrome MCP Server.

Overview

The Chrome MCP Server exposes its MCP interface at http://127.0.0.1:12306/mcp (default port). Both Codex CLI and Claude Code can connect to this endpoint to use Chrome browser control tools.

Codex CLI Configuration

Option 1: HTTP MCP Server (Recommended)

Add the following to your ~/.codex/config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "chrome-mcp": {
      "url": "http://127.0.0.1:12306/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Option 2: Via Environment Variable

Set the MCP URL via environment variable before running codex:

export MCP_HTTP_PORT=12306

Claude Code Configuration

Option 1: HTTP MCP Server

Add the following to your ~/.claude/claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "chrome-mcp": {
      "url": "http://127.0.0.1:12306/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Option 2: Stdio Server (Alternative)

If you prefer stdio-based MCP communication:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "chrome-mcp": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/mcp-chrome/dist/mcp/mcp-server-stdio.js"]
    }
  }
}

Verifying Connection

After configuration, the CLI tools should be able to see and use Chrome MCP tools such as:

chrome_get_windows_and_tabs - Get browser window and tab information
chrome_navigate - Navigate to a URL
chrome_click_element - Click on page elements
chrome_get_page_content - Get page content
And more...

Troubleshooting

Connection Refused

If you get "connection refused" errors:

Ensure the Chrome extension is installed and the native server is running
Check that the port matches (default: 12306)
Verify no firewall is blocking localhost connections
Run mcp-chrome-bridge doctor to diagnose issues

Tools Not Appearing

If MCP tools don't appear in the CLI:

Restart the CLI tool after configuration changes
Check the configuration file syntax (valid JSON)
Ensure the MCP server URL is accessible

Port Conflicts

If port 12306 is already in use:

Set a custom port in the extension settings
Update the CLI configuration to match the new port
Run mcp-chrome-bridge update-port <new-port> to update the stdio config

Environment Variables

Variable	Description	Default
`MCP_HTTP_PORT`	HTTP port for MCP server	12306
`MCP_ALLOWED_WORKSPACE_BASE`	Additional allowed workspace directory	(none)
`CHROME_MCP_NODE_PATH`	Override Node.js executable path	(auto)

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