BlackFlare is a macOS menu bar app for Claude Code and Codex that keeps sessions awake, sends finish or input-needed alerts, shows usage, and forwards notifications to Telegram or Slack.

BlackFlare

What BlackFlare does

BlackFlare is a macOS menu bar app for Claude Code and Codex that helps long-running agent sessions finish without interruption. It keeps your Mac awake while a session is active, then restores normal sleep behavior when the work is done.

It also notifies you when a session finishes or needs input, whether you are using the CLI, VS Code, or JetBrains. From the menu bar, you can adjust default model and permission settings, track usage, and forward alerts to Telegram or Slack if you want updates away from your desk.

Features

Session-aware notifications

BlackFlare watches Claude Code and Codex sessions in the terminal, VS Code, and JetBrains, and sends a notification when a turn finishes or waits for input.

Keep-awake during active runs

The app can hold a power assertion while a session is running, which keeps the Mac from idling to sleep during long tasks. Sleep returns to normal automatically when the session ends.

Telegram and Slack forwarding

Notifications can stay on the Mac or be forwarded to Telegram or Slack. An "only when away" mode reduces duplicate alerts when you are already at your desk.

Default switching from the menu bar

From the menu bar, you can set your default model, permission mode, effort level, and thinking mode for the next session. BlackFlare applies those settings by editing each tool's own config file.

Usage tracking and thresholds

Usage tracking shows Claude and Codex plan usage in the menu and menu bar icon, with separate bars per model and alerts when a threshold is crossed.

Private, local operation

The app runs on-device and asks for read-only Keychain access to your Claude token so it can display exact usage.

Common ways people use BlackFlare

  • Running long CLI sessions

    Start a long refactor, test run, or other agent task and let BlackFlare keep the Mac awake so the session does not stall midway through sleep.

  • IDE-based agent workflows

    Work in VS Code or JetBrains and get a banner when Claude Code or Codex finishes or needs input, so you can step back in at the right time.

  • Remote and team notifications

    Forward alerts to Telegram or Slack when you are away from your desk, and use the away-only mode to avoid duplicate notifications while you are nearby.

  • Fast session setup

    Set model, permission, effort, and thinking defaults from the menu bar before starting a session, instead of editing config files or remembering flags.

  • Usage monitoring

    Watch Claude and Codex usage side by side in the menu bar and set a threshold alert before you cross your plan limits.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Keeps the Mac awake only while a Claude Code or Codex session is running, then lets sleep resume automatically.
  • Sends notifications when a session finishes or needs input, across the terminal, VS Code, and JetBrains.
  • Supports Telegram and Slack forwarding for mobile or team updates.
  • Lets you change model, permission mode, effort, and thinking mode from the menu bar without editing config by hand.
  • Shows usage in the menu and menu bar icon with separate tracking for Claude and Codex.

Cons

  • Desktop notifications are only free for the first 7 days; continued desktop alerts require the one-time license.
  • The app requires macOS 13 or later and is limited to Mac.
  • Usage details depend on read-only Keychain access to the Claude token, which some users may prefer not to grant.

FAQ

Does BlackFlare work with both the CLI and IDEs?

Yes. BlackFlare watches Claude Code and Codex sessions whether they run in the terminal or inside VS Code and JetBrains IDEs.

Can it notify me on my phone or in team channels?

BlackFlare can send native notifications on your Mac and forward the same alerts to Telegram or Slack. It also supports an "only when away" mode so you are not notified twice while sitting at your desk.

Where does my Claude token go?

BlackFlare reads your Claude token from the macOS Keychain in read-only mode to show usage. The token is not written or sent anywhere except Anthropic.

Will it keep my Mac awake all the time?

BlackFlare keeps your Mac awake only while a Claude Code or Codex session is running. When the session ends, normal sleep behavior resumes automatically.

What do I need to run it?

BlackFlare requires a Mac running macOS 13 or later. The app is a universal build for both Apple silicon and Intel Macs.

Quick Facts

Category
macOS menu bar app
Primary tools
Claude Code and Codex
Platform
macOS 13 or later
Distribution
Free download; one-time paid license for premium features
Pricing note
Desktop notifications are free for the first 7 days
Domain
blackflare.dev