Use ChatGPT on an Android phone
ChatGPT works on Android phones the same way it does on iPhones. The part to be careful with is the download, because the store has a lot of fake look-alike apps. Once the real one is on the phone, your parent can type a question or just talk to it.
What you need
- An Android phone with Google Play (Android 7.0 or newer)
- The Google account the phone uses for Google Play
- An email address you can check, or a Google account to sign in with
- About 15 minutes
Step by step
Open Google Play
Find the Play Store app on the phone. Its icon is a colorful triangle. Tap it to open it.
Search for the official app
Tap the search bar at the top and type openai chatgpt. Look for the app called ChatGPT whose maker is listed as OpenAI. If the maker is any other name, do not install it.
Install it
Tap Install. The app is free. Wait until the button changes to Open, then tap Open.
Sign in
Choose to continue with Google, or sign up with an email address and follow the steps on the screen. The free plan is enough to start. If sign in shows an error that something went wrong, update the Play Store app and try again.
Ask your first question
Tap the message bar at the bottom and type a question. Try: "I'm new to this. What are some simple things you can help me with?" Then tap the send button next to the message bar.
Talk instead of typing
Tap the Voice button on the right side of the message bar. It looks like a few short lines, like a sound wave. The first time, the phone asks to use the microphone. Choose to allow it while using the app. Then talk normally, and ChatGPT answers out loud.
Hear an answer read aloud
If an answer is long, press and hold your finger on the answer text. In the menu that opens, tap Read aloud.
Find old chats
Open the side menu from the top left corner of the screen to see past chats. Tap one to pick up where you left off.
Good to know
- The real app only comes from Google Play, published by OpenAI. Never install ChatGPT from a link in a text, an email, or a pop up ad.
- OpenAI does not call or text you asking for money, a password, or a code. If someone does, hang up.
- ChatGPT can make mistakes. For health, money, or legal matters, double check with a real person.
- Never type or say passwords, bank numbers, or your Social Security number to any AI.