A little Helpie.
On your Mac, too.

1. Get ready

Install and sign in to Codex on your Mac, then add a local project folder. You also need Helpie 1.1 or later on your iPhone through eligible beta access. The iPhone app is distributed separately; a public App Store or TestFlight link is not available yet.

Helpie is free. Your AI provider’s account requirements, usage limits and charges still apply. The Mac setup package is a local plugin installation; it is not yet listed in the public Codex plugin directory.

2. Install the Mac companion

Download Helpie Mac Setup 1.1.0

Unzip the download into a permanent folder, such as Documents/Helpie. Open a local chat in Codex, attach that folder, and send this message:

Install the Helpie plugin from this local marketplace folder. Register the marketplace with codex plugin marketplace add using this folder’s absolute path. If this version supports codex plugin add, install helpie@helpie-local. Otherwise help me install Helpie from the plugin directory. Then run its setup skill.

If prompted, open the plugin directory, select the Helpie marketplace, and install Helpie. Restart Codex if the marketplace does not appear. In a new local chat, say: “Set up Helpie and show my pairing QR code.”

Codex prepares the companion and its dependencies. The first setup can take several minutes. Keep the unpacked folder in place.

3. Connect your iPhone

In Helpie, tap Scan Mac code and scan the code shown on your Mac. Use Helpie’s scanner, not the normal Camera app. Codes expire after ten minutes and work once. Connecting a new phone replaces the previously connected phone. If you are upgrading from an older connection, update both devices and use Settings → Pair a different Mac → Disconnect on your phone before scanning the new code.

4. Send your first reference

Share an Instagram post you have permission to use to Helpie. Choose your project, describe what you want to make, and send. Follow progress and open the result on your iPhone or Mac.

If Instagram cannot provide the media, open the task and add your own photos or saved video. Keep carousel photos in their original order. If no projects appear, add a local project in Codex and reopen Helpie’s project picker.

You stay in control

The companion runs when you sign in to your Mac. Helpie 1.1 uses end-to-end encryption for tasks, results, and media between newly paired devices, over Wi-Fi or mobile data. The relay forwards encrypted traffic; your Mac and chosen AI provider process the content needed for each task.

Codex Desktop tasks have full local file access under your Mac account, including beyond the selected project. Separate tool permissions still apply. Encryption does not restrict those permissions. See how it works for the protections and limits.

To stop remote access, ask Codex to stop Helpie before uninstalling the plugin. Uninstalling the plugin alone does not stop the separately installed companion. Your project files and history are preserved.

Need help? Email info@helpie.cc. Never send passwords or pairing codes.