---
title: "Use an installed assistant for summaries"
description: "Choose an installed Claude Code or Codex CLI, confirm the provider and check its sign-in state."
updated: "2026-10-09"
canonical: https://docs.recordstead.app/summaries/use-an-installed-assistant
---

# Use an installed assistant for summaries

Recordstead can use a Claude Code or Codex CLI already installed and signed
in on your Mac. It runs on your own account with that provider, not a
Recordstead account. The transcript reaches the provider's service; audio
does not. Nothing is sent until you confirm that route.

## Point Recordstead at it

1. Open **Settings** (⌘,) → **Summary** → **Provider**.
2. Choose **Claude Code** or **Codex**. Click **Review…** under the notice,
   read it, check the box and click **Use Provider**.
3. Wait for the app to inspect the installation. Under **Binary**, check the
   version and sign-in state. If it is not signed in, sign in using that CLI,
   then click **Try Again**.
4. If several copies are listed, choose the one you want. The **Model** list
   comes from that copy. **Reasoning** is unavailable when that copy, or for
   Codex the chosen model, does not offer it.

**Your result:** the selected CLI is signed in and ready to write your next
summary.

## When your copy is somewhere else

Use **Choose…** beside **Binary** to select the executable yourself. The app
checks that it is the expected CLI. A Claude Desktop sign-in does not
necessarily sign in its CLI; sign in to a standalone Claude Code CLI if the
pane reports that the Desktop-managed one is not signed in.

The provider's own account and terms govern its handling of the transcript.
[Compare summary providers](https://docs.recordstead.app/summaries/who-writes-your-summary) if you are
unsure which route to use.