How to Fix 'Computer Use Plugin Unavailable' in OpenAI Codex App

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• macOS (Sequoia or Sonoma recommended; Intel or Apple Silicon).
• The latest Codex desktop app installed and running (download from the official OpenAI site if needed).
• Logged in with your ChatGPT account in Codex.
• Administrative access to your Mac (for permissions and file copies).
• No VPN or region blockers if you're in EEA/UK/Switzerland (Computer Use is restricted at launch in those areas).

Note: This feature is macOS-only. Windows/Linux support is not yet available.

Step 1: Update Codex and Restart the App

1. Quit the Codex app completely (right-click the icon in Dock → Quit, or use Cmd + Q).
2. Open the Mac App Store or check for updates inside Codex if available.
3. Re-launch Codex and log in again.
4. Go to Settings → Computer Use.

If the plugin still shows as unavailable, proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Try the Official Installation

1. In Codex, navigate to Settings → Computer Use.
2. Click the Install button for the Computer Use plugin.
3. Follow any on-screen prompts.
4. When macOS shows permission dialogs, grant Screen Recording and Accessibility access to both Codex and Codex Computer Use.

Test by asking Codex to perform a simple desktop action (e.g., "Open Safari and search for test").

Step 3: Manually Grant System Permissions

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security.
2. Scroll to Screen Recording and ensure both Codex and Codex Computer Use are checked.
3. Scroll to Accessibility and do the same.
4. If the apps are not listed, restart Codex first, then re-check Settings → Computer Use to trigger the prompts.
5. Restart your Mac after changing permissions.

Step 4: Reset Codex Configuration (Most Common Fix)

This clears corrupted local files without losing your account data.

1. Quit Codex completely.
2. Open Terminal (search Spotlight with Cmd + Space).
3. Run this command to delete the config folder:

rm -rf ~/.codex

4. Re-launch the Codex app.
5. Log in again.
6. Go back to Settings → Computer Use and attempt to install the plugin.

Expected output: The plugin should now appear as available.

Step 5: Manually Copy the Bundled Plugin (Advanced Fix)

If the plugin files exist but aren't registering:

1. Quit Codex.
2. Open Terminal and run this exact command:

cp -r /Applications/Codex.app/Contents/Resources/plugins/openai-bundled/plugins/computer-use/Codex\ Computer\ Use.app /Applications/

3. Open Finder → Applications and double-click Codex Computer Use.app once to register it.
4. Re-open Codex.
5. Check Settings → Computer Use.

The plugin should now show as installed.

Step 6: Let Codex Self-Fix (Quick Alternative)

1. Open a new chat in Codex.
2. Paste this exact text:

https://github.com/openai/codex/issues/18258

3. Tell Codex: "Fix the Computer Use plugin unavailable error for me using full access."

Codex will often detect the issue and apply the fix automatically.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

• Still unavailable after reset? Check if you're on an Intel Mac – some older bundles miss the plugin payload. Update to the latest Apple Silicon build if possible.
• Permission prompts keep failing? Restart your Mac, then manually add the apps in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
• Region blocked (EEA/UK/Switzerland)? Computer Use is unavailable at launch. Ask Codex to confirm your location or wait for broader rollout.
• Plugin shows in MCP Servers but unavailable? Run the manual copy command from Step 5.
• App freezes or no Plugins tab? Delete ~/.codex, add plugins = true under [features] in a new ~/.codex/config.toml file, then restart.
• Approval denied via MCP? Edit ~/Library/Group Containers/2DC432GLL2.com.openai.sky.CUAService/Library/Application Support/Software/ComputerUseAppApprovals.json and add the target app's bundle ID manually (advanced users only).

If none work, restart your Mac and repeat Step 4.

Next Steps

Once fixed:

• Test with a safe command: "Open Notes and create a new note titled Test."
• Use narrow, specific tasks and stay present for sensitive actions.
• Review all permissions in System Settings regularly.
• Explore other Codex plugins in Settings → Plugins for enhanced workflows.

Your Codex app can now control desktop apps securely. Enjoy hands-free automation!