Download the ChatGPT app on iPhone or Android
This is the very first step for any of our ChatGPT guides. It works the same whether you are setting it up for yourself or for Mom or Dad. The official app is free to download.
What you need
- An iPhone with iOS 18 or newer, or an Android phone with Google Play
- Your Apple Account or Google password, to download apps
- An email address, or a Google or Apple account, to sign in
- About 10 minutes
Will this work on my phone?
Most phones from the last few years will work. The app store checks your phone's software number (called iOS on iPhone, Android on Android phones), not how old the phone looks.
Works on:
- ChatGPT: iPhone with iOS 18 or newer (iPhone XS, XR, SE 2nd generation or newer). On Android, open ChatGPT in the Google Play store. If it says it works on your phone, you are set.
How to check your phone
On an iPhone
- Open Settings (the gray gear).
- Tap General, then tap About.
- Look at iOS Version. That number is what the app checks.
On an Android phone
- Open Settings (the gear).
- Scroll down and tap About phone.
- Look at Android version. On some phones you may need to tap one more item, like Software information, to see it.
Tip: if your number is too low, look for Software Update in Settings. A free update may fix it.
If your phone is too old
That's okay. You or your parent still have good choices:
- Use the website instead. Open the web browser on a computer or tablet and go to chatgpt.com. It works the same way, no download needed.
- Ask the family. A newer phone, or a hand-me-down from a grandchild, often works great. Ask before buying anything new.
- Get help from us. Book a friendly 1:1 session and we will sort it out together.
Step by step
iPhone: search the App Store
Open the App Store. Tap Search and type OpenAI ChatGPT. Searching with the word OpenAI helps the real app show up first.
iPhone: check the maker, then tap Get
Tap the result called ChatGPT and look under the name. The developer must say OpenAI OpCo, LLC. If it says anything else, go back. Then tap Get and confirm with Face ID, the side button, or your Apple Account password. It is free.
Android: search Google Play
Open the Play Store. Tap the search bar and type OpenAI ChatGPT. Tap the result called ChatGPT and check that the publisher under the name is OpenAI. Then tap Install.
Open the app and sign in
Tap the new ChatGPT icon. Choose Continue with Google, Continue with Apple, or type an email address and follow the prompts. If you use email, ChatGPT may send a code to that inbox, so keep it handy. Already have an account? Use the same sign-in you used before.
Notifications: yes or no, both are fine
The phone may ask if ChatGPT can send notifications. Tap Allow if you'd like the occasional alert, or Don't Allow to keep the phone quiet. You can change this later in the phone's Settings, under Notifications (iPhone) or Apps, then ChatGPT, then Notifications (Android).
Say hello
At the bottom is a box that says something like Ask anything. Tap it and type a first question, like "What is a good easy dinner for two?" Then tap the arrow to send. That's it, you're set up.
Good to know
- Copycat apps use names like Chat AI or Ask GPT. The real one is called ChatGPT and is made by OpenAI. Check the maker every time.
- Never download ChatGPT from a link in a text, an email, or an ad. Go to the App Store or Play Store yourself.
- Downloading the app costs nothing. ChatGPT may offer paid plans later, but the free plan is enough for all of our guides.
- ChatGPT will never need your bank number, your Social Security number, or your Medicare number.