Dispatch + computer use is unusable when screen is locked

Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Mar 25, 2026 by valeron9999 Closed Apr 24, 2026

Problem

When leaving the computer (screen locked), Dispatch and computer use tools stop working. The Screen Recording API on macOS does not function through the lock screen at the OS level.

Current situation

  • Official docs say "your computer needs to be awake" but don't mention lock screen specifically
  • Workarounds like caffeinate prevent sleep but not lock screen
  • This makes Dispatch impractical for any unattended automation use case

Request

  1. Document this limitation clearly in official docs so users aren't surprised
  2. Explore alternatives — e.g., virtual display capture that bypasses the lock screen restriction (similar to how some automation tools handle this)

Why this matters

The main value of Dispatch is autonomous, unattended work. Requiring an unlocked screen defeats this purpose.

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