Playwright MCP

browser_navigate_back

Destructive

Return to the previous page in browser history when a navigation step needs to be undone, restoring the earlier page state for continued automation.

Instructions

Go back to the previous page in the history

Tool call template

This tool declares no required parameters. Add optional parameters from the input schema as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {},
    "name": "browser_navigate_back"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.0.77Oct 19, 2026

TDQS

A3.7/5.0

Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The description and annotations are consistent; destructiveHint is true, matching the navigation action which changes the current page. The description adds minimal behavioral context beyond the annotations, but does not contradict them. It does not mention potential side effects like what happens if there is no history or whether it affects new tabs.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, concise sentence with no redundant wording. It directly states the action and target without unnecessary detail, which is ideal for a tool with no parameters.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple, parameterless tool, the description is largely complete. It communicates the essential operation. It could be improved by noting the behavior when there is no previous history entry, but the given context is sufficient for most use cases.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The tool has zero parameters, so the description does not need to explain parameter semantics. The empty input schema is fully covered by the lack of parameters, making this baseline appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action: 'Go back to the previous page in the history.' It identifies the resource (browser history) and the direction (back), making the core purpose unambiguous. It does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like browser_navigate or browser_tabs, but the meaning is clear enough in context.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies when to use the tool: when the user wants to go back to the previous page in history. However, it provides no explicit guidance on when not to use it, such as when a direct URL navigation via browser_navigate would be more appropriate, or what to do if no prior history exists.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.