Home > Apps

How to use ChatGPT custom instructions

Everything you need to know about ChatGPT's new 'Custom Instructions' feature
Last Updated on December 19, 2023
ChatGPT custom instructions feature for new and unique capabilities.
You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

Any time ChatGPT gets an update it’s news worth covering, and this latest update is no exception. OpenAI’s large language chatbot has been somewhat of a global sensation, and the release of the GPT-4 model has made it one of the most powerful AI platforms out there. The most recent feature added to ChatGPT is one that allows users to input custom instructions for ongoing and future conversations. This article will explain the ChatGPT personalized custom instructions feature. Let’s get into it.

What is ChatGPT’s custom instructions feature?

Essentially, the custom instructions feature allows ChatGPT to remember certain preferences and information when generating responses across all your chats. It’s a move from OpenAI to ensure that its language models are more steerable, and can more accurately respond to the unique needs of every user.

Some examples might include a developer telling ChatGPT their preferred coding language to set it as an automatic default. Or, perhaps specifying that you’re a teacher writing a lesson plan to ensure that ChatGPT always provides age-appropriate responses without being reminded.

Simply put, you will be able to get ChatGPT to remember things about you and to always factor this information in when providing you with responses. Previously, if you wanted ChatGPT to remember your preferences, you would have to inform it about those preferences for every new chat interaction.

The feature also extends to plugins, so you don’t need to worry about specifying your needs again when using plugin software. It will make interactions with ChatGPT that bit easier, personalizing your experience so you can get the most out of using the artificial intelligence platform.

Essential AI Tools

Editor’s pick
Only $0.00019 per word!

Content Guardian – AI Content Checker – One-click, Eight Checks

8 Market leading AI Content Checkers in ONE click. The only 8-in-1 AI content detector platform in the world. We integrate with leading AI content detectors to give unparalleled confidence that your content appear to be written by a human.
Only $0.01 per 100 words

Originality AI detector

Originality.AI Is The Most Accurate AI Detection.Across a testing data set of 1200 data samples it achieved an accuracy of 96% while its closest competitor achieved only 35%. Useful Chrome extension. Detects across emails, Google Docs, and websites.
EXCLUSIVE DEAL 10,000 free bonus credits

Jasper AI

On-brand AI content wherever you create. 100,000+ customers creating real content with Jasper. One AI tool, all the best models.
TRY FOR FREE

WordAI

10x Your Content Output With AI. Key features – No duplicate content, full control, in built AI content checker. Free trial available.
TRY FOR FREE

Copy.ai

Experience the full power of an AI content generator that delivers premium results in seconds. 8 million users enjoy writing blogs 10x faster, effortlessly creating higher converting social media posts or writing more engaging emails. Sign up for a free trial.

Using ChatGPT custom instructions

ChatGPT custom instructions are now available for all users (Except EU & UK which is coming soon). Announced via OpenAI blog post on August 9th, 2023, the release notes show that the free plan allows access to the feature. Until now, the feature was in beta and only available to ChatGPT Plus users.

Here’s how you can get started in a few easy steps.

Step

1

Turn on custom instructions in a web browser

Log into ChatGPT via web browser, then click on the ‘Settings’ option to open up ChatGPT settings. You will see an option called ‘Custom instructions’. Turn this on to get started!

Step

2

Turn on custom instructions in the iOS app

If you’re using the iOS app, you can turn on custom instructions by going to ‘Settings’, clicking on ‘New features’, and turning on ‘Custom instructions’.

Step

3

Fill in the custom instruction text boxes

After enabling custom instructions, it will appear in the menu when you click on your name. When you select it, you will have the option to answer the following questions.

  • What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?
  • How would you like ChatGPT to respond?

Providing an accurate and detailed answer will get ChatGPT to give you a more personalized response. Make sure your writing is clear and concise to make sure the software can understand exactly what you’re asking. ChatGPT gives you various ‘thought starters’ to get the ball rolling!

Step

4

Save your custom instructions

Click the save button once you have filled in your custom instruction boxes, and you should be all good to go! ChatGPT can now remember your user preferences and will tailor its responses accordingly.

Final thoughts

This new time-saving feature could be the most useful update yet! OpenAI continues to be at the forefront of AI software development, and we are now seeing ChatGPT give personalized and even more helpful interactions than ever before.

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.