Getting Started with ChatGPT
Complete walkthrough for beginners to set up and start using ChatGPT.
Step 1: Create an Account
- Go to chat.openai.com
- Click "Sign up"
- Choose one of these options:
- Continue with Google (recommended for quick setup)
- Continue with Microsoft account
- Continue with Apple
- Sign up with email address
- Complete email verification if required
- Accept the terms of service
✨ Pro tip: Use the same account method you'll remember—this will be your login for future sessions.
Step 2: Understand the Interface
Main Chat Area
- Chat history (left sidebar): View and manage past conversations
- Message input (bottom): Where you type your questions/prompts
- Model selector (top): Switch between GPT-3.5, GPT-4o, and GPT-5.1 (Plus users)
- Your account (top right): Access settings, upgrade, and logout
Key Buttons
- New Chat: Start a fresh conversation
- Regenerate Response: Get a different answer to the same question
- Stop Generating: Halt a response mid-generation
- Copy: Copy AI's response to clipboard
Step 3: Send Your First Message
Try these simple starter prompts:
"Explain how photosynthesis works in simple terms"
"Write a professional email declining a meeting invitation"
"Create a weekly meal plan for a vegetarian"
Step 4: Have a Conversation
ChatGPT remembers the context of your conversation. You can:
- Ask follow-up questions
- Request modifications ("Make it shorter" or "Add more details")
- Clarify or correct ("Actually, I meant...")
- Change direction mid-conversation
Example Conversation Flow:
You: "Write a haiku about coffee"
ChatGPT: [Writes haiku]
You: "Now make it about tea instead"
ChatGPT: [Writes new haiku about tea]
Step 5: Manage Your Chats
Organize Conversations
- Rename: Click the pencil icon next to any chat
- Delete: Click the trash icon to remove unwanted chats
- Search: Use the search bar to find old conversations
- Archive: Keep chat history clean by arhiving old threads
Share Conversations
- Click the share icon in a conversation
- Choose "Share link" or "Continue in new chat"
- Copy the generated link to share with others
Step 6: Customize Settings
Click your profile picture → Settings:
- Custom instructions: Set default preferences for all conversations
- Data controls: Manage how your data is used
- Theme: Switch between light and dark mode
- Clear all chats: Delete entire history
Common Beginner Questions
Can ChatGPT access the internet?
The free version (GPT-3.5) cannot. GPT-4 with plugins can browse the web, but you need ChatGPT Plus ($20/month).
Does ChatGPT remember me between sessions?
No, but each conversation maintains its own context. Starting a new chat means starting fresh.
How many messages can I send?
Free users have unlimited GPT-3.5 messages. ChatGPT Plus users get priority access to GPT-5.1 and GPT-4o, though extremely high usage may still hit rate limits.
Is my data private?
Conversations may be reviewed to improve the model. You can opt out in settings. Don't share sensitive personal information.
Next Steps
- Try different types of tasks (writing, coding, analysis)
- Learn effective prompting techniques
- Explore advanced features
- Discover real-world use cases