# Troubleshoot the MockFlow plugins for Claude Code and Codex

> Fix the MockFlow plugins for Claude Code and Codex: Bridge missing or not running, no board paired, results coming back as text, and why ChatGPT cannot draw.

Source: https://mockflow.com/docs/troubleshoot-mockflow-plugins

The MockFlow plugins for Claude Code and Codex draw on your board through MockFlow Bridge. Three things must be in place: Bridge is installed, Bridge is running, and a board is paired. When a session starts, the plugin checks these and tells you if one is missing. Find the message below. For setup, see [Draw on your board from Claude Code](/docs/mockflow-plugin-for-claude-code) and [Draw on your board from Codex](/docs/mockflow-plugin-for-codex).

## Check the connection

In Claude Code, run the connect command. It checks Bridge, its connection and the board pairing, and says which one needs attention:

```text
/mockflow:connect
```

In any terminal, `mockflow-bridge status` shows whether Bridge is running and which boards are connected.

## "Its bridge helper is missing"

The plugin is installed, but MockFlow Bridge is not. Install it, then start it:

```bash
npm i -g @mockflow/mockflow-bridge
mockflow-bridge
```

If installing fails, see [Troubleshoot installing and starting MockFlow Bridge](/docs/troubleshoot-starting-mockflow-bridge).

## "The MockFlow bridge is installed but not running"

Bridge has to be running in its own terminal window while you work. Run `mockflow-bridge` in a new terminal window and leave it open. Then start a new Claude Code or Codex session, or reload the current one, so the board tools connect.

## "No board is paired"

Bridge is running, but no board is connected to it, so a drawing has nowhere to land. Open your board in MockFlow, open Mida, click **Connect** on the **Connect your local agent** strip and enter the pairing code shown in the Bridge window. You pair once per computer. If pairing fails, see [Troubleshoot pairing your board with MockFlow Bridge](/docs/troubleshoot-pairing-mockflow-bridge).

## The result comes back as text in the terminal

Sometimes the agent answers with a text diagram instead of drawing. Ask for the board explicitly, or use the draw command, which always puts the result on the board:

- Claude Code: `/mockflow:draw a flowchart of the payment flow`
- Codex: `/mockflow-draw a flowchart of the payment flow`

## The drawing lands on the wrong board

The plugin draws on the board you are looking at. Bring the board you want to the front before you ask. With several boards connected on Plus or Max, you can also name the board in your request, for example "on my Payments service board".

## Nothing draws from ChatGPT or a Codex cloud task

A ChatGPT conversation, in the desktop app or on the web, and a Codex cloud task run on OpenAI's servers, not on your computer, so they cannot reach Bridge. The plugin says so instead of drawing. Use Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app with Codex selected, or the Codex CLI, on the computer where your board is open.

To create MockFlow boards from a ChatGPT conversation, [add MockFlow as a connector in ChatGPT](/docs/connect-mockflow-to-claude-or-chatgpt) instead.

## Codex installed the plugin, but it cannot draw

The MockFlow plugin in the Codex plugin directory includes the MockFlow skills but not the connection to Bridge, so it can explain but cannot draw. Install the plugin from its repository instead:

```bash
codex plugin marketplace add mockflow/mockflow-codex-plugin
codex plugin add mockflow@mockflow
```

Check with `codex mcp list`, which should show **mockflow** as enabled.

## Update the plugin

- Claude Code: run `/plugin update` in Claude Code.
- Codex: run `codex plugin marketplace upgrade` in a terminal.

Keep Bridge up to date too, with `mockflow-bridge update`.