Codex App: Remote Computer Use Now Works on Locked Macs
CodexCodex version 26.519 extends computer use to locked Mac systems, allowing the AI agent to continue operating desktop applications even after the screen has locked — including remotely via Codex Mobile. The feature includes multiple security safeguards: short-lived authorization, covered displays to prevent visual eavesdropping, automatic relock on local input, and a manual-unlock fallback. Previously, computer use required an active, unlocked session at all times, making unattended and remote workflows impractical.
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Codex Updates by OpenAI — May 2026
Releasebot
Codex Can Now Control Your Entire Desktop via Computer Use
Times of AI
Remote Computer Use for Locked Macs
Until version 26.519, Codex's computer use capability had a hard constraint: the Mac had to remain awake and unlocked for the agent to see the screen, move the cursor, and interact with applications. This made it impractical to initiate long-running computer use tasks and step away — the screen lock would kill the session.
Codex 26.519 removes this constraint. Remote Computer Use allows Codex to continue driving desktop applications even after the Mac screen locks, including when the session is initiated remotely via Codex Mobile on iOS or Android.
How It Works
Codex scopes locked-screen computer use specifically to active, trusted computer use turns. A turn must already be in progress for the locked-screen mode to activate — Codex cannot initiate new desktop sessions from a locked state on its own.
Several security safeguards ship alongside the feature:
- Short-lived authorization — permissions granted for locked-screen use expire automatically, limiting the window of exposure
- Covered displays — the screen content is hidden from physical observers while Codex is operating in locked mode
- Relock on local input — any physical keyboard or mouse input from a local user immediately relocks the Mac and suspends Codex's computer use session
- Manual-unlock fallback — users retain the ability to unlock manually and resume control at any point
Remote Workflows via Codex Mobile
The locked-screen capability is designed to complement the Codex Mobile app (launched May 14, 2026 on iOS and Android). A developer can start a computer use task on their Mac, let the screen lock, and then monitor or manage the task from their phone via the Codex Mobile app. Session state and outputs sync in real time through OpenAI's secure relay layer.
Why It Matters
This feature removes one of the last major friction points in Codex's computer use workflow: the requirement for physical presence at the machine. Combined with Remote SSH and Codex Mobile, developers can now configure fully remote, unattended automation pipelines that operate on live Mac environments — running builds, testing UIs, or performing multi-step GUI workflows — without keeping a screen active. The security model, particularly the covered displays and relock-on-input safeguards, reflects that OpenAI is targeting professional and enterprise users who need accountability alongside automation.