Get started with Codex plugins: installation, account linking and a first task

A skill is a work instruction, such as the order for organizing meeting notes. An MCP server connects external data or functions. A plugin packages capabilities for installation and management.

Plugin contents vary: one may contain only skills, while another includes external connections or hooks. Check its description and prerequisites instead of assuming its capabilities from its name.

In the desktop app, open Plugins, search for what you need and inspect the details. Install it and try it in a new task. The official guide lists Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app and Codex CLI as supported environments.

For the CLI, run codex in a terminal, then enter /plugins at the conversation prompt—not at the shell prompt. Select and install an item from a configured marketplace and start a new session.

The IDE extension did not support plugins under the source guide's September 9, 2026 documentation. Supporting skills is a separate condition from installing plugins. Check whether a Desktop only plugin matches your actual environment.

Package installation and external-service authentication are separate. Reading email or documents may require connecting an account and checking requested permissions; authentication may appear during installation or first use.

For example, connecting a personal account instead of a company Drive can hide expected files. Check the connected account and its permissions in the original service. Use the provided connection flow rather than pasting credentials or passwords into chat.

In a new task, provide both the plugin name and what to find. Replace the placeholders below with the actual plugin and an accessible document title.

Use [installed plugin name] to find [document title]. Show matching document titles and links first. If several have the same title, include the author or folder. Do not edit documents; if not found, state the scope checked.

Open the result link to verify the document. Check that a similar name was not selected and that inaccessible material was not summarized as though it was read. Once the lookup works, continue to summarization or editing.

Check that you started a new task or CLI session and that the plugin is installed and enabled. Then check external authentication and support for the surface you use.

Some plugins may be unavailable in API-key login environments because of their OAuth connection method. Company administrator policy may also restrict installation or features. Check support for the account and environment before repeatedly reinstalling.

In the CLI plugin list, Space can toggle an installed item. To remove it, select Uninstall plugin in a supported management screen. Some administrator-installed defaults cannot be removed by a user.

Separately connected MCP integrations may remain after uninstalling a plugin. If you also want to end external access, check the account connection in connection management. Choose based on whether you want a temporary pause or to remove account access too.