Checking the Codex login status confirms valid credentials are available before starting a session or automation run, preventing failures caused by missing authentication.
The codex login status subcommand reports whether a cached login is present and which method is active (ChatGPT or API key). Cached credentials live in the OS credential store or in /~/.codex/auth.json when file-based storage is enabled.
The status check is read-only and does not refresh, repair, or change credentials, so an expired or missing login still requires a separate login action. Running the status check from the same environment that runs Codex sessions avoids mismatches caused by different shells, users, or runners.
Related: How to log in to Codex with device auth
Related: How to log out of Codex
Steps to check Codex login status:
- Open a terminal session in the environment used to run codex commands.
- Run the login status command.
$ codex login status Logged in using ChatGPT
- Confirm the output indicates an authenticated state and shows the active method.
Common results include Logged in using ChatGPT, Logged in using API key, or a Not logged in message when no credentials are available.
- Record the exit code for automation checks.
$ codex login status >/dev/null 2>&1; echo $? 0
codex login status exits 0 when credentials are present.
- Run a quick prompt to verify the session can authenticate requests.
$ codex exec -C /home/user/projects/example-repo "Return OK." OK
Mohd Shakir Zakaria is a cloud architect with deep roots in software development and open-source advocacy. Certified in AWS, Red Hat, VMware, ITIL, and Linux, he specializes in designing and managing robust cloud and on-premises infrastructures.
