> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.deva.me/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.deva.me/guides/openai-codex-setup.md).

# Set Up OpenAI Codex

Genie uses OpenAI Codex as its AI provider. This guide walks you through the onboarding flow to connect your OpenAI account to your Genie server.

***

## Prerequisites

* A Genie account with a running server
* An OpenAI account with a ChatGPT subscription

***

## Step 1: Start the Onboarding

Open the terminal in your Genie dashboard and run:

```bash
openclaw onboard --auth-choice openai-codex
```

![Terminal with the onboarding command](/files/G6T9HiyRiC4T7fooafTW)

***

## Step 2: Accept the Security Notice

The onboarding wizard shows a security baseline notice. Read through the recommendations — pairing/allowlists, sandbox configuration, secrets management — then confirm with **Yes** to continue.

![Security warning and confirmation prompt](/files/wJcpQJf06iXqxNiHoZ8e)

***

## Step 3: Choose Onboarding Mode

Select **QuickStart** to use sensible defaults (you can fine-tune settings later with `openclaw configure`), or **Manual** for full control over every option.

![Onboarding mode selection — QuickStart or Manual](/files/ETNxsZhBfS5SJDxmHS6t)

***

## Step 4: Handle Existing Config

If an existing configuration is detected, you will be asked how to proceed:

* **Use existing values** — keep your current settings
* **Update values** — modify specific fields
* **Reset** — start fresh

![Existing config detected with handling options](/files/As14dgHlXDkdRq6aEHB8)

***

## Step 5: Authenticate with OpenAI

The wizard generates an OAuth URL. Since your server runs in a remote/VPS environment, you need to:

1. Copy the URL displayed in the terminal
2. Open it in your **local browser** (on your own machine, not the server)

![OAuth URL displayed in terminal](/files/z9fQ5tUYJ2AUQ91tSjH0)

***

## Step 6: Consent in Browser

In your browser, you will see the OpenAI consent page. Review the details — Codex will be linked to your ChatGPT account and use your plan's rate limits. Click **Continue**.

![OpenAI Codex consent page — Sign in with ChatGPT](/files/uTAmt7XPM6IxIJZnDt3V)

***

## Step 7: Copy the Redirect URL

After consenting, your browser redirects to a `localhost` URL. On a remote server, this will show a **connection error** — this is expected.

Copy the **full URL** from your browser's address bar (it contains the authorization code).

![Browser showing localhost connection error — copy the full URL](/files/pIfxeUICzYIeH09hidFt)

***

## Step 8: Paste the Redirect URL

Go back to the Genie terminal. At the "Paste the redirect URL" prompt, paste the URL you copied and press Enter.

![Terminal prompt to paste the redirect URL](/files/FUiBS91PQxukjYNqdOm7)

***

## Step 9: Select Channel (Optional)

You will be asked to select a messaging channel for OpenClaw (Telegram, Discord, Slack, etc.). You can choose one now or select **Skip for now** — channels can be added later with `openclaw channels add`.

![Channel selection list](/files/N39QxEHwhAMmunLFS5to)

***

## Step 10: Complete Onboarding

The wizard saves your configuration and runs through final checks:

* Config is written to `~/.openclaw/openclaw.json`
* Workspace and sessions are verified
* Skills status is displayed

![Config saved and skills status](/files/lERFaivmjRUggsnVUAzZ)

You will see **"Onboarding complete"** and the OpenClaw gateway will start automatically.

![Onboarding complete — gateway started](/files/lfp43z5f8jc125mGXVcv)

***

## Step 11: Set the Model

Run the following command to set OpenAI Codex as your active model:

```bash
openclaw models set openai-codex/gpt-5.3-codex
```

![Model set to openai-codex/gpt-5.3-codex](/files/ZziHGTP54cTpxSXvGqzz)

***

## Verifying the Connection

1. Go to **Chat** in your Genie dashboard
2. Send a prompt to Genie
3. If you receive a valid response, OpenAI Codex is connected and ready to use

***

## Tips

* The localhost connection error in Step 7 is expected on remote/VPS environments — just copy the URL from the address bar
* You can reconfigure settings at any time with `openclaw configure`
* Channel setup can be done separately via `openclaw channels add`
* Your OpenAI plan's rate limits apply to all interactions through Genie