use-cases/complete-tasks-from-messages.md +70 −0 added
1---
2name: Complete tasks from messages
3tagline: Turn iMessage threads into completed work across the apps involved.
4summary: Use Computer Use to read one Messages thread, complete the task, and
5 draft a reply.
6bestFor:
7 - Message threads that contain a concrete request, follow-up, or booking task
8 - Work that needs a quick check across Messages plus a few related apps
9starterPrompt:
10 title: Finish One Task From a Message Thread
11 body: >-
12 @Computer Look at my messages from [person].
13
14
15 Then:
16
17 - understand the request
18
19 - complete the task across the apps involved
20
21 - draft a reply in the same thread
22
23
24 Pause before anything irreversible, such as placing an order or confirming a
25 booking.
26relatedLinks:
27 - label: Computer Use
28 url: /codex/app/computer-use
29 - label: Customize Codex
30 url: /codex/concepts/customization
31---
32
33## Introduction
34
35Many message threads contain hidden to-dos: book dinner, schedule a follow-up, research options, submit a receipt, or pull together information for a reply. Computer Use can help by reading the thread, identifying the task, and completing the work across the apps involved.
36
37This is a good fit when the message contains a concrete request and you want Codex to handle the follow-through, not just summarize the thread.
38
39## How to use
40
411. Install the [Computer Use plugin](https://developers.openai.com/codex/app/computer-use).
422. Ask Codex to review a specific message thread or sender.
433. Tell it what action to take and whether it should pause before completing anything.
444. Specify whether it should draft a reply in the original thread.
45
46For example:
47
48- `@Computer Look at my messages from [person]. Check my availability, find 2 dinner options in Hayes Valley, and draft a reply in the same thread. Check in with me before completing booking.`
49
50## Practical tips
51
52### Ask for a pause before irreversible actions
53
54If the task might send money, submit an order, confirm a booking, or finalize a schedule, tell Codex to stop and ask before taking that last step.
55
56### Make sure the supporting apps are ready
57
58This works best when the related apps are already signed in and available. If the task depends on Maps, Calendar, Notes, a reservation site, or a browser session, prepare those ahead of time.
59
60### Expect the thread to be marked as read
61
62When Codex opens the thread in Messages, it will behave like a normal user viewing the conversation. Treat that as a read.
63
64## Good follow-ups
65
66This same pattern can work for other inbox-style surfaces too, such as Slack or email, when the work starts from a message and finishes somewhere else. If the workflow becomes common, add a reusable preference or instruction in [customization](https://developers.openai.com/codex/concepts/customization) so Codex handles those requests the same way every time.
67
68### Suggested prompt
69
70**Finish One Task From a Message Thread**