How to add Browser MCP to Claude Desktop

Automate your existing browser with AI using your real profile, logged-in sessions, and stealth fingerprint. Paste the config into ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json and restart Claude Desktop.

Last updated June 14, 2026 · 6.7k★ · stdio · no auth

Claude Desktop config for Browser MCP

npx @browsermcp/mcp@latest

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "browser-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "@browsermcp/mcp@latest"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Setup steps

1Open Claude Desktop → Settings → Developer → Edit Config (this opens ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json).
2Paste the Browser MCP config below under the top-level "mcpServers" key.
3Fill in any placeholder secrets (API keys, paths) in the snippet.
4Save the file, then fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop.
5Open a chat and confirm Browser MCP's tools appear under the 🔌 tools menu.

Before you start

Node.js (to run the server via npx)
The Browser MCP Chrome extension installed in your browser
An MCP-compatible client such as VS Code, Claude, Cursor, or Windsurf

What Browser MCP can do in Claude Desktop

browser_navigate

Navigate the active browser tab to a given URL.

browser_go_back

Navigate back to the previous page in browser history.

browser_go_forward

Navigate forward to the next page in browser history.

browser_snapshot

Capture an accessibility (ARIA) snapshot of the current page for the AI to reason about page structure and elements.

browser_click

Click an element on the page identified from the accessibility snapshot.

browser_hover

Hover the mouse over an element on the page.

browser_type

Type text into an input or editable element on the page.

browser_select_option

Select an option in a dropdown/select element on the page.

Security

Browser MCP controls your real browser using your existing logged-in sessions and profile, so any AI client connected to it can act on your behalf in authenticated web apps. Automation runs entirely locally and browsing data is not sent to remote servers. Requires installing the companion Browser MCP Chrome extension to bridge commands to the browser.

Browser MCP + Claude Desktop FAQ

Where is the Claude Desktop config file?

Claude Desktop reads MCP servers from ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json. Paste the Browser MCP config there under the "mcpServers" key and restart the client.

Is Browser MCP safe to use with Claude Desktop?

How is this different from Playwright MCP?

Browser MCP was adapted from Microsoft's Playwright MCP server, but instead of launching a new browser instance it automates your existing browser via a Chrome extension. This lets it reuse your logged-in sessions and real browser fingerprint to avoid bot detection.

Do I need anything besides the MCP server?

Yes. You must install the companion Browser MCP Chrome extension, which bridges the MCP server's commands to your live browser tab.

Is my browsing data sent to the cloud?

No. Automation happens locally on your machine, so your browser activity stays on your device and is not sent to remote servers.

View repo Full Browser MCP page