Codex profiles: save, rename, and rotate safely
Managing multiple Codex CLI profiles does not have to be messy. CodexUse helps you save, organize, and switch between Codex profiles safely.
What are Codex profiles in CodexUse?
A Codex profile in CodexUse represents one ChatGPT or OpenAI account. Each profile stores:
- Authentication: Your login credentials for that account
- Identity: Account email for easy identification
- Usage tracking: Rate limit status for that account
- Chat history: Conversations tied to this specific account
Codex profile naming conventions
Good profile names make it obvious which account you are using at a glance.
| Pattern | Example | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose-based | personal, work, testing |
Simple setups with clear boundaries |
| Client-based | client-acme, client-initech |
Freelance/agency work with multiple clients |
| Team-based | team-backend, team-frontend |
Shared accounts across team functions |
| Tier-based | plus-main, plus-backup |
Distinguishing subscription types |
Naming rules
- Keep it short: You will see these names in the tray menu and profile list
- No spaces: Use hyphens or underscores instead
- Be specific: "account1" tells you nothing; "personal-plus" tells you everything
How to save a Codex profile
- Open CodexUse
- Click "Add Profile"
- Enter a descriptive name
- Complete the one-time browser authentication
- Your profile is saved and ready to use
Renaming Codex profiles
To rename a Codex profile in CodexUse:
- Open CodexUse and go to the profile list
- Click the profile you want to rename
- Edit the display name field
- Save. The change is instant and does not affect credentials
Rotating Codex profiles for rate limits
Profile rotation means switching between accounts during work sessions to distribute API usage and avoid hitting rate limits on any single account.
Manual rotation strategy
- Check the radar: Before starting work, see which profiles have headroom
- Start with the coolest: Use the profile with the lowest recent usage
- Switch at 60-70%: Do not wait for 429s; rotate proactively
- Reserve one profile: Keep a backup account for emergencies
Automatic rotation (Pro feature)
CodexUse Pro can auto-roll to another Codex profile when usage crosses a threshold. Configure the threshold and which profiles are eligible for auto-roll in settings.
Deleting Codex profiles safely
Deleting a Codex profile in CodexUse removes it from the app but does not affect the actual ChatGPT/OpenAI account. You can always re-add the account later.
Before deleting:
- Confirm it is not currently active (switch to another profile first)
- Consider if you might need the chat history
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Profile shows "expired" or "needs reauth" | Refresh token was invalidated | Delete the profile and add it again with fresh authentication |
| Two profiles showing same email | Added the same account twice | Delete the duplicate |
| Cannot rename profile | Profile is currently active | Switch to another profile first, then rename |
Best practices summary
- Name thoughtfully: Future you will thank present you
- Rotate proactively: Do not wait for 429s to switch accounts
- One account, one profile: Avoid duplicating the same credentials
- Document your setup: Keep a note of which profile is which client/project
Related
How should I name Codex profiles?
Use short, descriptive names: "personal", "client-acme", "work-team". Avoid spaces.
Can I save multiple Codex profiles?
Yes. CodexUse stores your profiles locally. Free tier supports 2 profiles, Pro supports unlimited.
What is Codex profile rotation?
Switching between accounts during work sessions to distribute rate limit usage and avoid 429 errors.