npm package: @iflow-mcp/mcp-chrome-google-search
Description: MCP tool for Google search and webpage content extraction using Chrome browser. Works with Claude to enable Google search and content fetching capabilities.
Author: Chris Mann
Latest version: 1.0.6

# MCP Chrome Google Search Tool

MCP tool for Google search and webpage content extraction using Chrome browser. Works with Claude to enable Google search and content fetching capabilities.

## Quick Installation

1. **Configure Claude Desktop**
   - Open Claude Desktop on Mac
   - Go to Claude > Settings > Developer > Edit Config
   - Add the following to your config file:
   ```json
   {
     "mcpServers": {
       "mcp-chrome-google-search": {
         "command": "npx",
         "args": [
           "-y",
           "@cmann50/mcp-chrome-google-search"
         ]
       }
     }
   }
   ```
   - Restart Claude Desktop

2. **First Time Setup**
   - **Grant Accessibility Permissions**
     - On first run, approve macOS accessibility permissions prompt
     - Navigate to: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility
     - Add and enable permissions for your terminal app

   - **Enable Chrome JavaScript from Apple Events**
     - Open Chrome
     - Navigate to: View > Developer > Allow JavaScript from Apple Events
     - One-time setup only

Once configured, Claude will be able to perform Google searches and extract webpage content through Chrome when you make requests.

## Key Advantages

- Free to search google
- Opens and small windows and uses your chrome browser, so should not get blocked
- Since it is using your Chrome window it can access authenticated content.  Claude can just open the URL in your browser.

## Platform Support
- ✅ macOS
- ❌ Windows (not supported)
- ❌ Linux (not supported)

## Requirements
1. macOS
2. Google Chrome
3. Node.js 20 or higher

## Alternative Installation Methods

### NPX Installation
```bash
npx mcp-chrome-google-search
```


### Custom Installation
1. Checkout from git
2. Run `npm run build`
3. Add to Claude config (use absolute path):
```json
{
    "google-tools": {
        "command": "node",
        "args": [
            "/your/checkout/path/mcp/mcp-chrome-google-search/dist/index.js"
        ]
    }
}
```

## Local development

To test changes locally bump package.json version and run
to put it in edit mode:
```
npm install -g .
```
Then just do `npm run build` and the files will go in dist where claude is monitoring

Then press ctrl-R in claude desktop, no need to restart it

## Debugging

### Log Monitoring
```bash
# Follow logs in real-time
tail -n 20 -F ~/Library/Logs/Claude/mcp*.log
```

### Dev Tools Access
1. Enable developer settings:
```bash
echo '{"allowDevTools": true}' > ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude/developer_settings.json
```
2. Open DevTools: Command-Option-Shift-i in Claude desktop
3. Use ctrl-r in Claude desktop while tailing for better errors

## Troubleshooting

### Chrome JavaScript Error
If you see:
```
execution error: Google Chrome got an error: Executing JavaScript through AppleScript 
is turned off. For more information: https://support.google.com/chrome/?p=applescript (12)
```

Solution:
1. Open Chrome
2. View > Developer > Allow JavaScript from Apple Events

### Accessibility Permission Issues
If Chrome control fails:
1. Open System Preferences
2. Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility
3. Ensure terminal app is listed and enabled
4. Use lock icon to make changes if needed

## Implementation Details

- Uses AppleScript for Chrome control
- Visible automation - Chrome windows will open/navigate
- Each request opens a new Chrome tab
- Close unused tabs periodically for optimal performance
- Only use with trusted Claude instances (has Chrome control access)

## Support

- Create GitHub issues for problems
- Include macOS and Chrome version details

## License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details