ChatGPT is an AI assistant from OpenAI that you can use in a web browser, in desktop apps for macOS and Windows, and in mobile apps for iPhone and Android.
This guide walks you through creating an account, securing it, installing the apps you want, and adjusting the settings most people care about.
What you need
- A modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox)
- An email address, or a Google, Microsoft, or Apple account to sign in with
- For the macOS desktop app: a Mac with Apple silicon and a recent macOS version (check the download page for current requirements)
- For the Windows desktop app: Windows 10 or 11 with access to the Microsoft Store
- Optional: a paid ChatGPT plan for higher limits and advanced features
Step-by-step
- 1
Create or sign in to your account
Go to chatgpt.com and choose Sign up (or Log in if you already have an account). You can use an email address or continue with Google, Microsoft, or Apple. If you use email, check your inbox for the verification message.
- 2
Turn on multi-factor authentication
Open your profile menu, go to Settings, then Security, and enable multi-factor authentication. Use an authenticator app on your phone. This protects your conversations if your password is ever exposed.
- 3
Install the desktop app (optional)
Visit the official ChatGPT download page from OpenAI and choose the macOS or Windows app. On Windows the app is distributed through the Microsoft Store. Open the app and sign in with the same account.
Only download ChatGPT from OpenAI's official website, the Microsoft Store, the Mac App Store, Apple's App Store, or Google Play. Lookalike apps exist.
- 4
Install the mobile app (optional)
Search for "ChatGPT" by OpenAI in the App Store or Google Play. Check the publisher name is OpenAI before installing, then sign in with the same account to sync your conversations.
- 5
Set custom instructions
In Settings, open Personalization and add custom instructions: what you do, what you want ChatGPT to know about you, and how you want it to respond (for example: "Keep answers short and use bullet points").
- 6
Review memory and data controls
In Settings, review Personalization > Memory to decide whether ChatGPT should remember details across chats. Under Data controls you can choose whether your conversations may be used to improve OpenAI's models.
- 7
Test it
Start a new chat and ask something related to your work. Then upload a sample document (using the paperclip or plus icon) and ask for a summary to confirm file uploads work on your plan.
Common errors
The verification email never arrives
Check spam and promotions folders, wait a few minutes, and request a new email. Make sure you typed the address correctly. Some corporate email filters block verification messages.
"Something went wrong" or messages fail to send
Refresh the page, try a private browser window, or temporarily disable browser extensions such as ad blockers or VPNs. Check OpenAI's status page for outages.
The Mac app will not install
The macOS app requires a Mac with Apple silicon and a recent macOS version. On older Macs, use ChatGPT in the browser instead.
You hit a usage limit
Free and paid plans have message limits for some models. Wait until the limit resets, switch to another model, or review plan options.
Tips
- Use Projects to keep related chats and files together.
- Never paste passwords, API keys, or highly sensitive personal data into any AI chat.
- Check important facts. AI can sound confident and still be wrong.
Official resources
FAQ
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