How to set custom instructions in ChatGPT
Open ChatGPT Settings > Personalization (or Customize ChatGPT), turn customization on, and write how you want answers. Start a new chat to see the change.
- AI tools
- Easy · 3 min
- ChatGPT on the web, desktop, iOS, and Android
- ChatGPT
- Cheat sheet
How to do it
Open ChatGPT Settings.
Open Personalization, or Customize ChatGPT if that is the label.
Turn customization on and write how you want answers: short, steps first, say when unsure. Do not put your address, workplace secrets, or passwords in the box.
Save. Start a new chat and check that the shape of the answer changed.
Temporary chats do not use these instructions unless you turn personalization on for that chat. A Project uses the project instructions instead.
Updates apply to later replies. They do not rewrite old conversations.
Questions people ask
Do custom instructions change old chats?
No. They only shape replies from now on.
What shouldn't I put in custom instructions?
Passwords, your home address or anything confidential from work.
Do Projects use my custom instructions?
A Project uses its own project instructions instead.
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