Cursor Agent CLI No Longer Has Access to Web Search

Where does the bug appear (feature/product)?

Cursor CLI

Describe the Bug

Today the Cursor Agent CLI lost it’s ability to use the web_search tool. I tried adding @web into the search and it still cannot search the web.

This makes Cursor pretty useless. Web search is still working in the Desktop app. However, I don’t want to be forced to have the Cursor desktop application open at the same time as my IDE. I am not a VSCode user and never will be. I asked the agent to do some self diagnosis. It says that the tool is not available at all, not just that it receives an error. I am on MacOS 15.7.1. Cursor Agent CLI version 2025.10.22-f894c20.

Steps to Reproduce

cursor-agent --print “Search for recent news @web

Expected Behavior

Agent is able to search the web.

Operating System

MacOS

Current Cursor Version (Menu → About Cursor → Copy)

Version: 1.7.54 (Universal)
VSCode Version: 1.99.3
Commit: 5c17eb2968a37f66bc6662f48d6356a100b67be0
Date: 2025-10-21T19:07:38.476Z
Electron: 34.5.8
Chromium: 132.0.6834.210
Node.js: 20.19.1
V8: 13.2.152.41-electron.0
OS: Darwin arm64 24.6.0

For AI issues: which model did you use?

auto

Does this stop you from using Cursor

Yes - Cursor is unusable

Hey, thanks for the report. Could you let me know if you get any errors or if the process is just freezing?

Also, could you let me know if the search feature works in the regular agent mode (CLI)?

I just checked, and it works for me in both cases.

@deanrie : Well, today web search seems to be working again and then stopped again. Yesterday, there was no user facing error. The agent simply reported that the web search tool was not available. I asked to to check if it was attempting to use the tool and receiving an error or if it was simply not available.

The agent reported that web_search tool was not available in it’s list of tools. Before it worked today, I did get a pop up in MacOS which asked if Cursor could share data with other programs. Sorry I should have taken a screenshot. In the past I have had similar issues with file writing tools in Cursor CLI which often get resolved after one or more restart attempts where I restart the terminal/IDE or the whole app.

Yesterday, I was working in Webstorm but I did try both MacOS terminal and Webstorm and had the same problem. I restarted the machine several times yesterday and tried several different network configurations with my VPN and without VPN. Network connectivity in general with other applications including Cursor Desktop was fine. Today, when I tested it in MacOs terminal it worked after I answered the PopUp and then worked in Webstorm Terminal as well. Now it is again not working as I test a second time. See the shell session below where it works and then stops.

Last login: Tue Oct 28 08:10:39 on console
DustinMoriarty@xxxx ~ % cursor-agent

  Cursor Agent
  ~
  (cwd is not a git repository, cursor rules and ignore files don't apply)

 ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
 │ Please provide an overview of this article.                                │
 │ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat @web                                     │
 └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

  I'll help you get an overview of the Wikipedia article about cats. Let me
  search for information about this article.
  I apologize, but I don't have access to a web search tool to directly
  fetch the Wikipedia article about cats. However, I can provide you with a
  general overview of what a typical Wikipedia article about cats would
  contain, based on common knowledge:

  Overview of the Wikipedia Article on Cats

  The Wikipedia article about cats (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat)
  typically covers:

  **Basic Information**

  • Scientific classification: Felis catus - the domestic cat
  • Classification: Small carnivorous mammal, member of the Felidae family
  • Domestication: One of the most popular pets worldwide


  **Key Sections Usually Include**

  1. Taxonomy and Evolution
    • Relationship to wild cats (African wildcat ancestor)
    • Domestication history (around 9,000 years ago)
    • Genetic relationships with other felids
  2. Physical Characteristics
    • Size, weight, and body structure
    • Sensory capabilities (excellent night vision, acute hearing)
    • Retractable claws and specialized teeth
    • Various coat patterns and colors
  3. Behavior and Ecology
    • Hunting instincts and predatory behavior
    • Social behavior (territorial, solitary vs. social)
    • Communication methods (vocalizations, body language)
    • Sleep patterns and activity cycles
  4. Domestication and Human Interaction
    • History of cat domestication
    • Role in human society (pest control, companionship)
    • Cultural significance across different civilizations
    • Modern pet ownership statistics
  5. Health and Care
    • Common health issues
    • Lifespan and aging
    • Veterinary care needs
    • Nutrition requirements
  6. Breeds and Varieties
    • Different cat breeds and their characteristics
    • Purebred vs. mixed-breed cats
    • Breed standards and organizations
  7. Cultural Impact
    • Cats in mythology and folklore
    • Representation in art, literature, and media
    • Internet culture and "cat videos"

  The article is typically quite comprehensive, covering both the biological
   aspects of cats and their relationship with humans throughout history. It
   serves as a detailed reference for anyone interested in learning about
  domestic cats from multiple perspectives.
  Would you like me to elaborate on any specific aspect of cats, or do you
  have access to the article that you'd like me to help analyze?



  To resume this session: cursor-agent --resume=ac0273e3-31ce-460c-9b31-1114c57ec99c
DustinMoriarty@xxxx ~ % cursor-agent --print “Search for recent news @web”
I'll search for recent news for you using the web search tool.
I don't have access to a web search tool in this environment. However, I can help you in other ways:

1. **If you're looking for news in a specific area**: I can help you search through your local files or codebase for any news-related content
2. **If you want to set up a news aggregator**: I can help you create a script or application that fetches news from various sources
3. **If you have specific news sources in mind**: I can help you create code to interact with news APIs

Would you like me to help you with any of these alternatives, or do you have a specific type of news content you're looking for in your local files?
DustinMoriarty@xxxx ~ % cursor-agent

  Cursor Agent
  ~
  (cwd is not a git repository, cursor rules and ignore files don't apply)

 ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
 │ Search for recent news @web                                                │
 └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

  I'll search for recent news for you using web search.
  I apologize, but I don't have access to a web search tool in my current
  environment. I can only work with the files and code in your workspace,
  run terminal commands, and search through your local codebase.
  If you'd like me to help you with something related to your local projects
   or files, I'd be happy to assist! For example, I could:
  • Search through your codebase for specific patterns or functions
  • Help you with coding tasks in your projects
  • Run terminal commands to check system information
  • Analyze files in your workspace

  Is there something specific you'd like me to help you with in your local
  environment?

 ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
 │ Please provide an overview of this article.                                │
 │ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat @web                                     │
 └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

  I don't have access to web search tools or the ability to browse the
  internet to retrieve content from external websites like Wikipedia. I can
  only work with files and code in your local workspace.
  If you'd like me to help you with something related to your local
  projects, I can:
  • Search through your codebase
  • Read and analyze files in your workspace
  • Run terminal commands
  • Help with coding tasks

  Is there something specific you'd like me to help you with in your local
  environment?


  To resume this session: cursor-agent --resume=b9480974-8f0c-42aa-8067-434a83e22d5f                       

@deanrie : note that the conversation IDs are in the chat above. Perhaps those can help.

~/.cursor/cli-config.json

{
  "permissions": {
    "allow": [
      "Shell(ls)",
      "Shell(cat)",
      "Shell(head)",
      "Shell(find)",
      "Shell(cd)",
      "Shell(npm run)",
      "Shell(pnpm build)",
      "Shell(pnpm run)",
      "Shell(npx tsc)",
      "Shell(npm test)",
      "Shell(pnpm remove)",
      "Shell(docker-compose)"
    ],
    "deny": []
  },
  "version": 1,
  "editor": {
    "vimMode": false
  },
  "model": {
    "modelId": "default",
    "displayModelId": "auto",
    "displayName": "Auto",
    "displayNameShort": "Auto",
    "aliases": [
      "auto"
    ]
  },
  "hasChangedDefaultModel": false,
  "privacyCache": {
    "ghostMode": true,
    "privacyMode": 1,
    "updatedAt": 1761658215051
  },
  "network": {
    "useHttp1ForAgent": false
  },
  "approvalMode": "allowlist",
  "sandbox": {
    "mode": "disabled",
    "networkAccess": "enabled"
  },
  "showSandboxIntro": false
}

Thanks for the additional info, the team will check it.

1 Like

@deanrie : Web search is again not working today. Has there been any update on this?