OpenAI’s Codex Chrome add-on for Mac or PC streamlines browser workflows previously hard to accomplish via plugins and APIs. After the release of “Computer Use,” Codex can now perform more efficiently across a variety of web-based tasks.
The Extension Does What?
Before this release, Codex had access to an in-app browser — a sandboxed browser built into the Codex desktop app itself — and a growing library of dedicated plugins for services like GitHub, Slack, Figma, and Notion. Chrome’s new extension addresses a problem that was not addressed by the two previous approaches: tasks requiring your actual, signed-in state.
Codex Chrome Extension allows Codex to use Chrome when it is signed in for tasks. The extension can be used by Codex to access or read sites, such as LinkedIn or Salesforce.com, Gmail and internal tools. You can use the browser in Codex for everything else, such as local servers, preview files, public pages, or any other site that does not require you to sign-in.
Codex uses three tool tiers based on task. Plugins for dedicated integrations, Chrome for tasks that require logged-in context, and localhost’s in-app web browser. It is the agent that selects what tier should be used. However, users may choose to invoke Chrome from a prompt. @Chrome mention syntax — for example: #Chrome Open Salesforce to update account with these callnotes. Codex opens Chrome automatically if you don’t have it open.
The new functionalities of Chrome DevTools include the ability to test web apps and collect context across tabs. It can also be used in parallel with other browser tasks. Codex is a tab grouping system that allows it to gather context without interrupting your browsing.
Installation and use Codex Chrome Extension
Quick Start Guide
Codex Chrome Extension for Chrome: Installation and use
Connect Codex with your browser in five easy steps. Work on macOS or Windows. Not yet available in the EU or UK.
Chrome Web Store: Install extension
Click on the Codex icon in the Chrome Web Store. Click. Add Desktop Click on the confirmation prompt.
⚠ Codex is not compatible with other Chromium based browsers at the moment (Brave Edge Arc).
Codex now includes the Chrome extension
Click on the Codex Desktop App and select ” Plugins. Locate the Chrome plug-in and click Add. Codex walks you through how to connect.
Codex App
›
Plugins
›
Chrome
›
Add
Chrome
Codex will use the browser you are signed in to.
Add
Accept Chrome permissions, and confirm “Connected”
Chrome will prompt you to approve a list of extensions permissions. Open Chrome after approving and verify the Codex Extension shows. Connected The toolbar is located at the top of your screen.
Extensions requesting permission
Check the extension status of Chrome Toolbar
This allows the extension to operate browser workflows. Codex adds its own site-specific confirmation prompts, allowlist/blocklist and Chrome permissions on top.
Launch Chrome and start a new Codex topic
Create a new topic in Codex. Codex will automatically select the tool for you, but it is also possible to use Chrome by using the @Chrome mention. Codex opens Chrome automatically if you don’t have it already.
@Chrome Open Salesforce and update your account using these call notes.
You can also just describe the task naturally — Codex will select Chrome automatically when the task requires a signed-in website.
When prompted, review and approve the site’s access.
Codex automatically asks for information before engaging with a new host. Each time, you can select from one of three choices. Create and manage an Allowlist/Blocklist. Set Computer Usage Settings.
Codex wants to use salesforce.com
You can chat with this person
Never allow the host to be a threat
Decline
Codex works in Chrome
@Chrome To do this, go to my LinkedIn notification, summarise any messages sent by recruiters and write a quick reply.
Opening Chrome · Requesting access to linkedin.com
Working in tab group · Your active tabs are unaffected
Sara H. — Eng Manager role
Draft ready
James K. — ML Lead, Series B
Draft ready
Priya M. — Staff Engineer
Draft ready
Task complete · Pages kept open for review
Codex tab group Chrome
LinkedIn — Inbox
Message · Sara H.
Plus 2 more
Before you use it — three things to know
Page content should be treated as untrusted. In order to confuse Codex, malicious pages may include instructions (prompt infusion). Check websites for access before you approve it.
The browser’s memory settings can affect its tasks. Codex is able to use context previously saved in Chrome when Memories is enabled. To isolate sessions, turn off Memories.
Uploading files requires an additional setting. Go to Chrome Extensions › Codex › Details and enable Access to files URLs If any task involves uploading of a locally stored file.
Permission model and security considerations
It is important to note that the word “you” means “person”. Codex Chrome Extension requires extensive browser permissions—including access to your history, bookmarks, and page data—to function as an integrated AI agent. OpenAI’s security measures have been designed to minimize risks. per-site confirmation layer Codex asks permission for each new domain it interacts with. The user can control these permissions through an “allowlist” or “blocklist”, though some features, such as access to the browser’s history are riskier and must be manually approved.
The developer must not limit themselves to standard permissions. prompt injectionOpenAI only stores browser activity when it is explicitly added to a chat’s context, such as through screenshots or text summaries. OpenAI will only store browser history when the data is added directly to a discussion, for example, through text or screenshots. If you want maximum privacy, turn off the Memory feature It ensures that tasks performed in the browser are untainted with previous session data, or preferences of users.
Check out the Chrome Extension, You can also find out more about the following: Full Docs. Also, feel free to follow us on Twitter Don’t forget about our 150k+ ML SubReddit Subscribe now our Newsletter. Wait! What? now you can join us on telegram as well.
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