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Problem guide · approved for publication

KeePassXC Browser cannot connect to the desktop app

The extension can be installed while the browser and KeePassXC still cannot establish their local native-messaging connection.

APPROVEDDOCUMENTED ONLYChecked 2026-10-15

Symptoms

What you may notice

  • The browser extension reports that KeePassXC is not connected.
  • The connection worked before an extension, browser or desktop-app change.
  • Autofill is unavailable even though the vault itself opens.

Possible causes

Why this can happen

  • Browser integration is disabled in KeePassXC.
  • The native-messaging host configuration is missing or points to the wrong browser/profile.
  • The extension and desktop application are using incompatible or unsupported versions.
  • The application is running with different privileges from the browser.

Diagnostics

A safe way to narrow it down

  1. 01

    Confirm that the extension came from its official browser store and that KeePassXC is the installed desktop application.

  2. 02

    Open KeePassXC settings and check that browser integration is enabled; do not unlock or export the vault for this check.

  3. 03

    Use the official platform-specific troubleshooting guide to inspect the native-messaging host installation.

  4. 04

    Restart both the browser and KeePassXC after changing one setting, then test with a harmless local page.

  5. 05

    If the issue persists, record browser, extension, KeePassXC and operating-system versions before filing a reproducible report.

Solutions

Documented approaches

Repair the native-messaging installation

DOCUMENTED

Follow the official troubleshooting steps for the detected browser and operating system. Reinstall only the integration component when the guide calls for it; do not delete the vault.

Read supporting source

Align application privileges

DOCUMENTED WITH LIMITS

Run the browser and KeePassXC with compatible privileges. Avoid elevated execution unless the official platform guidance specifically requires it.

Read supporting source

Alternatives and limits

Keep the trade-offs visible

Keep the vault local and use manual copy only while diagnosing

Manual copy avoids the integration dependency but is less convenient and must be performed carefully; no credentials are sent to Troublemarium.

Evidence

What this page is based on

KeePassXC Browser troubleshooting guide

Native-messaging and browser-integration diagnostic steps.

Official source
KeePassXC Browser integration documentation

Integration configuration and platform assumptions.

Official source
KeePassXC Browser Edge connection issue

Evidence that browser-specific connection failures are reported; not a universal fix.

Official source

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