OpenAI has introduced a new Codex Chrome extension for Mac and PC users, enhancing their ability to work with browser-based tasks that were previously challenging through APIs or plugins. This development follows a trend where many users preferred working in a web environment after the launch of ‘Computer Use’, allowing Codex to operate more effectively across various web-based operations.
What the Extension Actually Does
In addition to its in-app browser and a growing library of dedicated plugins for services like GitHub, Slack, Figma, and Notion, the new Codex Chrome extension fills a gap: tasks that require your real, signed-in browser state. This allows Codex to use Chrome for operations such as accessing sites like LinkedIn, Salesforce, Gmail, or internal tools.
The Codex Chrome extension enables Codex to utilize Chrome when it needs access to a logged-in browser context. For everything else—like local development servers, file-backed previews, and public pages that do not require a sign-in—you can continue using the in-app browser within Codex without touching your Chrome profile. The agent automatically selects which tier of tool to use for each task.
On the functional side, the new browser-based capabilities of the plugin include testing web apps, collecting context from open tabs, and using Chrome DevTools in parallel while you perform other tasks. Crucially, Codex operates within specific tab groups, allowing it to gather context and take actions without disrupting your active browsing session.
How to Install and Use the Codex Chrome Extension
Quick Start Guide
Installing and Using the Codex Chrome Extension
Five steps to connect Codex to your signed-in browser. Works on macOS and Windows. Not available in EU or UK yet.
1
Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store
Open Chrome and go to the Codex listing in the Chrome Web Store. Click on Add to Desktop and confirm the prompt that appears.
Codex does not support other Chromium-based browsers (Brave, Edge, Arc) at this time.
2
Add the Chrome plugin inside the Codex app
Open the Codex desktop app and navigate to Plugins. Find the Chrome plugin and click on Add. Codex will guide you through connecting.
Codex App › Plugins › Chrome › Add
Chrome
Let Codex use your signed-in browser
Add
3
Approve Chrome permissions and confirm ‘Connected’
Chrome will request a set of extension permissions. After approving them, open Chrome and confirm that the Codex extension shows as Connected in its toolbar.
Access the page debugger
Read and change all your data on all websites
Read and change your browsing history on all signed-in devices
View and manage your tab groups
Manage your downloads
Extension status in Chrome toolbar
Connected
These permissions let the extension operate browser workflows. Codex still applies its own per-site confirmation prompts and allowlist/blocklist on top of these Chrome permissions.
4
Start a new Codex thread and invoke Chrome
Open a new thread in Codex. You can let Codex choose the right tool automatically, or invoke Chrome directly using the @Chrome mention. If Chrome isn’t already running, it will be opened.
@Chrome open Salesforce and update the account from these call notes.
You can also describe the task naturally — Codex will select Chrome automatically when the task requires a signed-in website.
5
Review and approve site access when prompted
By default, Codex asks before interacting with each new website host. Choose one of three options each time it asks: allow this chat, always allow the host, or decline. Manage a permanent allowlist and blocklist in Computer Use settings.
Codex is asking to use salesforce.com
Allow this chat
Always allow host
Decline
Example: Codex working in Chrome
Codex · New thread
@Chrome Go to my LinkedIn notifications, summarize any messages from recruiters, and draft a short reply to each.
Opening Chrome · Requesting access to linkedin.com
Working in tab group · Your active tabs are unaffected
Found 3 recruiter messages in your LinkedIn inbox. Here’s a summary and a draft reply for each:
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Codex does not support other Chromium-based browsers (Brave, Edge, Arc) at this time.
