How Caiioo Works Across Platforms

Caiioo runs on your browser, desktop, and phone (iOS and Android)—each platform is standalone, but they sync via encrypted cloud backup. Pick what works for you, or use them together.

Extension (Free Tier)

Chrome or Safari browser extension

The easiest way to get started. Install the extension, open it, and chat.

  • AI conversations right in your browser
  • Web search, link reading, page analysis
  • Screenshot and content capture
  • Skills for automation
  • Slate editor for code and documents
  • Everything runs locally—no server needed

Get started: Go to the Chrome Web Store, search for Caiioo, and click Add. On Safari (macOS), the Safari extension is built into the macOS desktop app — download the app below to use Caiioo in Safari.

Desktop Tools (Pro Tier)

A local helper that unlocks extra capabilities

If you want more power without leaving your browser, run the Caiioo desktop app on your Mac or PC. The extension connects to it to gain desktop tools (local MCP via the desktop app).

One command in your terminal:

npx caiioo-browser-bridge

Runs on localhost:3847. The extension connects via WebSocket—this is a capability link, NOT state sync. Only your extension talks to it.

Unlocks:

  • Desktop tools (local MCP via desktop app): file system, custom tools
  • File access and management
  • Local voice (Whisper for transcription, Kokoro for TTS)
  • Image generation (faster, no API calls)
  • Private, on-device processing

Perfect for: Developers, automation fans, privacy-first users.

Desktop App (Platform Tier)

All-in-one: the desktop helper + native features

Install once and get everything the lightweight desktop helper offers, plus system integration.

macOS

  • Native Swift app in your dock
  • Calendar and Reminders integration via EventKit
  • Built-in Safari extension (no separate install)
  • System tray menu for quick access
  • Sidepanel overlay (Cmd+Shift+P to open)
  • Global hotkeys and system events

Windows & Linux

  • Tauri native shell with system tray
  • Embedded Node.js sidecar (local server)
  • Global hotkeys (Ctrl+Shift+P)
  • Sidepanel overlay window
  • No external dependencies—everything bundled

Get: Download from our website or App Store.

iOS & Android Apps (Free Tier with Pro features)

Native apps optimized for mobile. Full chat and tools. Everything syncs via encrypted cloud backup.

  • Chat, search, image generation, tools
  • Conversations sync across devices
  • Native calendar and reminder integration (EventKit on iOS, CalendarContract on Android)
  • Passcode lock (Pro tier)
  • Optimized for touch and small screens

Get started: Download from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android), sign in to enable private sync.

The Architecture

All platforms are independent, each with its own storage. Private sync is the only sync path between devices.

Extension ←WebSocket (capability link)→ Desktop app
   ↓                                        ↓
Local browser storage                Local files + system
   ↓                                        ↓
   └─────────────→ Private Sync ←──────────┘
                (Google Drive, encrypted)
   ↑
iOS/Android App (local + synced)
  • Extension is standalone—works alone, no desktop app needed
  • Desktop app expands what the extension can do (desktop tools, voice, files) and, on the Platform tier, adds native system features
  • iOS and Android connect to private sync for cross-device access
  • Each device is the source of truth for its own data

Mix and Match

Pick the combo that fits your workflow.

What You Want Setup Tier
AI chat in the browser Extension Free
Chat + desktop tools (file access, voice, image gen) Extension + desktop app Pro
Everything above + calendar, system tray, hotkeys Desktop App Platform
Access on your phone, synced across devices iOS/Android App + any above Free (Pro for private sync)
AI everywhere with full sync All of the above Platform

Each platform works standalone. You don't need all of them. Start with the extension, add the desktop app when you need local tools, and move to the Platform tier when you want full system integration.

What's Private Sync?

One toggle in Settings > Private Sync. Turn it on, sign in with Google, and your conversations, settings, and skills sync everywhere—encrypted before they leave your device.

Read more: Private Sync

Remote Browser Access (Pro)

Want to use Caiioo from a Chromebook, a public computer, a tablet, or a second laptop—without installing anything there? Turn on remote access and open Caiioo in any browser.

  1. On your main device, go to Settings > Connections and turn on Private Relay
  2. A web address appears—relay.caiioo.ai/app. Tap Copy and send it to your other device
  3. On the other device, open that address in any browser and sign in with the same account
  4. You're in—the full sidepanel UI loads, and every tool call still runs on your main device

No pairing code, no extension, and no desktop app needed on the remote device. The connection is end-to-end encrypted and single-tenant: only you, signed in to your own account, can reach your instance. The address is the same for everyone—what unlocks your data is signing in.

This is different from the Caiioo Bridge pairing flow (see Private Sync), which is for a browser on the same local network using a short code. Remote access via the private relay works from anywhere over the internet.

Next Steps

This guide is maintained by the Caiioo team using Slate, our built-in editor.