Google Search (via Chrome)

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:

   {
     "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

npx mcp-chrome-google-search

Custom Installation

1. Checkout from git
2. Run npm run build
3. Add to Claude config (use absolute path):

{
    "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

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

Dev Tools Access

1. Enable developer settings:

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