Guide

The Desktop Steward app: use ChatGPT or Claude on your phone with your computer, no Claude Desktop needed

The Claude Desktop extension is the simplest way to use Desktop Steward on the computer itself. For everything that reaches your computer from outside (ChatGPT, Claude on the web or phone) there is the Desktop Steward app: it runs on its own, starts at login, and shows a panel with the one-time code and the rules.

Install

  1. Download the app. Mac: unzip, drag Desktop Steward to Applications, open it (it is notarized by Apple, so it opens without warnings). Windows: run the installer; SmartScreen may ask once (More info → Run anyway) until the Windows signature is in place.
  2. A shield icon appears in the menu bar (Mac) or tray (Windows) and the panel opens in your browser. The app starts at login from now on; you can switch that off in its menu.

Connect

In the panel press Turn on. You get the connector address and an 8-digit code that works once for 10 minutes, with the steps for Claude (web and phone) and for ChatGPT on two tabs. Every connected app gets its own code: press New code for the next one.

What is in my Downloads?

(from ChatGPT or the Claude phone app) Downloads has 132 files: 48 images, 31 PDFs, 20 installers, … The largest is setup.dmg (1.2 GB).

Same rules everywhere

The app and the extension share one set of folders, rules and history. Change folders in the panel's Rules section (with a Choose… button) and both pick it up right away. Deleting, replacing or moving many files still opens the confirmation window on the computer, so nobody can do those from a phone without you.

Remote access is free for 7 days on each computer, then part of Desktop Steward Pro ($10 a month, up to 3 computers). Using the app and the extension locally stays free.

Menu and panel

  • Status line: remote access off, connecting, online or reconnecting.
  • Open panel: changes with Undo, recent activity, rules, features, licence.
  • Update to x.y.z… appears when a newer version is out.
  • Start at login, Quit.

Questions

Do I still need the extension if I have the app?

Only if you chat in Claude Desktop on that computer: Claude Desktop talks to the extension directly. The app serves everything that comes through the relay.

Does the app need Claude Desktop or a Claude account?

No. It runs on its own; for ChatGPT you need a ChatGPT plan with connectors (Plus, Pro, Business or Enterprise).

What if the computer sleeps?

The chat app sees “the computer is offline” until it wakes. Keep the computer awake while you use it from outside.

Try it with Desktop Steward

Free on Mac and Windows. Asks before anything risky, undo for every change.

Download for Mac or Windows