Codex waiting on a locked Mac? Check the pending step

Find the actual reason for the pause

Read the task’s latest status before sending an unlock request. A job waiting for website sign-in, command approval, a device connection, or a failing build has a different next step from a job waiting for desktop access. A shell process may continue while the screen is locked.

When possible, check what the task was trying to do and whether its target app is available. Do not assume a visible lock screen caused an unrelated test, network, or permission failure.

Match the problem to the action

Screen unlock is useful only when it removes the actual obstacle. It does not grant unrelated permissions or confirm that the next task action succeeded.

Consider OpenAI’s own controls

OpenAI documents macOS Locked use for eligible active Computer Use tasks after it is enabled. It is a scoped feature rather than general remote unlock for other applications. Remote connections also let users answer questions and approve supported actions from a connected device.

Check the official instructions and your current app settings: Computer Use and Locked use and Remote connections. Product behavior and availability can change; the documentation is the source for those features.

Where MiniUnlock fits

MiniUnlock provides a phone-authorized action for the normal screen lock of your own already logged-in Mac. Its owner-observed LTE/5G beta test returned to the original Codex desktop. The app does not promise to approve Codex commands, resolve every pause, or resume every job automatically.

After an unlock, inspect the pending step again. The task may still need a follow-up message, a specific approval, a website login, or repair of an unrelated failure.

Set up before leaving the office

• Complete pairing, phone credential setup and Mac permission setup.
• Check the Mac’s online and awake state.
• Test a normal screen-lock request from the phone network you intend to use.
• Cancel phone authentication once and confirm that the Mac remains locked.
• Keep a normal local-login recovery option.

Do not remove operating-system or task approval protections just to hide a pause. Resolve the specific pending condition through the appropriate owner action.