Codex accounts: save, rename, and rotate safely
Several OpenAI accounts get hard to track. CodexUse keeps each one as a named account you can save, rename, and Open in its own Codex window without touching credentials by hand.
What an account is in CodexUse
One account equals one OpenAI account, or one custom model provider. It is never both. An OpenAI account stores:
- Authentication: Your login credentials for that account
- Identity: Account email for easy identification
- Usage tracking: Rate limit headroom for that account
config.toml, but that
is for different configuration sets (model, sandbox, etc.), not for managing multiple accounts. CodexUse
accounts are for managing multiple accounts. The CLI command group is still named codexuse profile.Account naming conventions
A good name tells you which account is active at a glance. Pick a pattern and stick to it.
| 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-reserve | Distinguishing subscription types |
Naming rules
- Keep it short: You will see these names in the tray menu and the Accounts list
- No spaces: Use hyphens or underscores instead
- Be specific: "account1" tells you nothing; "personal-plus" tells you everything
How to save an account
- Open CodexUse and go to Accounts
- Click Add account and pick Sign in with OpenAI
- Complete the one-time browser authentication
- Give it a descriptive name
- Your account is saved and shows Ready
Renaming accounts
To rename an account in CodexUse:
- Open CodexUse and go to the Accounts list
- Select the account you want to rename
- Choose Rename from the account actions menu
- Save. The change updates the display name only and does not affect credentials
Rotating accounts for rate limits
Rotating means moving your work to another account mid-session to spread usage, so no single account hits a rate limit while the others sit idle. In CodexUse, each account has its own Codex window, so moving means opening another account's window, not signing out.
Manual rotation strategy
- Check headroom: Before starting work, see which accounts show Ready and which show Low
- Start with the coolest: Open the account with the most headroom left
- Move at 60-70%: Do not wait for 429s; Open another account before the current one runs out
- Reserve one account: Keep one account unused for emergencies
Auto-roll (trial and Pro)
CodexUse can Auto-roll to another account when remaining usage drops below the Roll below threshold. Configure Roll below, Rejoin above, Warn below, and the priority order from the Accounts tab.
Removing accounts safely
Removing an account removes it from CodexUse only. The OpenAI account itself is untouched, and you can re-add it anytime.
Before removing:
- Confirm its Codex window is not in the middle of a task. Show the window and finish or save your work first.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Account shows Needs sign-in | Refresh token was invalidated | Refresh the account, or remove it and add it again with fresh authentication |
| Two accounts showing the same email | Added the same account twice | Remove the duplicate |
| Cannot rename an account | Name already exists or is empty | Choose a unique name and try again |
Best practices summary
- Name thoughtfully: Future you will thank present you
- Rotate proactively: Do not wait for 429s to Open another account
- One OpenAI account, one CodexUse account: Avoid duplicating the same credentials
- Document your setup: Keep a note of which account is for which client or workspace
Related
How should I name Codex accounts in CodexUse?
Use short, descriptive names: "personal", "client-acme", "work-team". Avoid spaces.
Can I save multiple Codex accounts?
Yes. CodexUse stores your accounts locally. The 7-day full trial includes unlimited accounts, then Pro. Nothing is deleted.
What does rotating Codex accounts mean?
Moving your work to another account during a session to distribute rate limit usage and avoid 429 errors. In CodexUse you Open the other account's Codex window, or let Auto-roll do it.