Bug Description

The Chrome Browser Relay extension disconnects unexpectedly during active use, even when the user hasn't:

• Changed tabs
• Clicked the extension icon to toggle OFF
• Interacted with the browser in any way

Steps to Reproduce

1. Attach Browser Relay to a tab (click extension icon, badge shows ON)
2. Use OpenClaw to navigate/interact with the page via browser tool
3. After a few actions (clicks, snapshots), the relay disconnects
4. Next action fails with: Chrome extension relay is running, but no tab is connected
5. User must manually re-click the extension icon to re-attach

Expected Behavior

The relay should stay connected as long as:

• The tab is open
• The user hasn't explicitly toggled it OFF
• The tab URL stays on the same origin

Actual Behavior

The relay disconnects silently after a few interactions, requiring manual re-attachment.

Impact

This makes browser automation very frustrating. The user has to constantly re-attach the tab, which defeats the purpose of automation assistance.

Environment

• macOS (arm64)
• Chrome
• OpenClaw Gateway running
• Browser Relay extension active

Suggested Fix

Consider:

1. Keeping the connection alive with heartbeat/ping
2. Auto-reconnecting when the tab is still available
3. Clearer feedback when disconnect happens (notification?)

Reported via OpenClaw agent on behalf of user