OpenAI has added a major new feature to its Codex desktop app for macOS, and it changes how the AI coding agent works when you are away from your computer. The new locked computer use feature allows Codex to continue using approved Mac apps even while the screen stays locked, which means users can start a task remotely from another device and let Codex keep working in the background.
OpenAI shared the update through its developer account on X, where the company showed a locked Mac displaying a “Codex is Using Your Mac” overlay while the AI agent interacted with apps remotely. The feature works through the Computer Use plugin, which requires Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions before Codex can control apps on the desktop.
How OpenAI Codex Uses a Locked Mac
According to OpenAI, Codex can click through app windows, type text, navigate menus, copy content, and complete GUI-based actions that command line tools cannot easily handle. This makes the feature useful for reproducing interface bugs, changing app settings, or testing workflows inside desktop apps.
However, users still stay in control because Codex asks for permission before accessing every new app. Users can also choose “Always allow” for trusted apps.
OpenAI says Codex cannot automate Terminal apps, system-level admin prompts, or Codex itself.
How to Enable Locked Computer Use
Follow these steps to enable the feature on macOS:
- Open the Codex app on your Mac
- Go to Settings
- Select Computer Use
- Enable Locked Computer Use
- Grant Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions
- Start a Computer Use task from a connected device after your Mac locks
OpenAI says Codex temporarily unlocks the Mac only during an active trusted task while still blocking local access and keeping the locked screen protections active. If the system detects keyboard or mouse activity, Codex immediately relocks the Mac and pauses remote access until the user manually unlocks it again.
