ChatGPT is a chatbot you can talk to in plain language. You type a question or request, and it replies with an explanation, draft, summary, plan, code example, or other written answer. The hardest part for many beginners is simply knowing what to type first.
Does this affect you?
Use this for ChatGPT on the web at chatgpt.com or in the official iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac apps. The free plan is enough to get started.
Sign up and send your first message
You can try a real conversation in a few minutes.
- Go to chatgpt.com or install the official ChatGPT app.
- Click Sign up or create an account in the app.
- Use an email and password, or continue with Google, Microsoft, or Apple.
- After signing in, type a simple request in the message box, such as explain photosynthesis in two sentences or write a polite email asking to reschedule a meeting.
- Press Enter or tap the send arrow.
- Continue in the same chat with follow-ups such as make it shorter, explain it for a beginner, or give me three examples.
Write prompts that get better answers
Clear prompts produce more useful answers.
- Be specific. Write a two-paragraph resignation letter for a retail job with two weeks notice is better than write a resignation letter.
- Give context. Mention audience, goal, tone, length, and constraints.
- Ask for revisions. If the answer is close, say what to change instead of starting over.
- Break big tasks into steps. Plan one part of a trip, project, or essay first, then continue.
- Verify facts. Double-check dates, names, statistics, medical advice, legal information, and anything consequential.
More control
Use a new chat for a new topic
Long conversations carry earlier context. Click New chat when switching topics so unrelated details do not influence the next answer.
Set Custom Instructions
Settings > Personalization > Custom Instructions lets you store your role, tone preference, and answer style so you do not repeat them every time.
Try free before upgrading
The free plan works for casual questions and writing help, with usage limits. Plus and higher plans mostly add higher limits, priority access, and more advanced models for heavier use.
Sources
- OpenAI – Start using ChatGPT instantly (2025)
- OpenAI Help Center – The ChatGPT home page (2026)
- OpenAI Help Center – ChatGPT Custom Instructions (2026)